Syracuse Hires Bryan Blair as New Athletic Director

Blair, a rising star in college sports, takes over the Orange athletics program at a pivotal moment

Mar. 12, 2026 at 6:48pm

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Syracuse University has hired Bryan Blair as its new athletic director, replacing the departing John Wildhack. Blair comes to Syracuse after a successful tenure leading the Toledo Rockets' athletic department, where he oversaw 13 conference championships and a 282% increase in fundraising. Syracuse is hoping Blair's innovative approach and proven track record can help elevate the school's athletics program, which has struggled in recent years.

Why it matters

Syracuse athletics has faced challenges in recent years, including a lack of competitiveness in football and middle-of-the-pack spending in basketball within the ACC. The hiring of Blair, who has been described as a 'rising star' in college sports, signals the university's desire to invest in and revitalize its athletic programs at a critical juncture as college sports continues to evolve with the rise of NIL deals and other business dynamics.

The details

Blair, who was recently named to Sports Business Journal's '40 under 40' list, will take over as Syracuse's athletic director on July 1, following the departure of John Wildhack. During his time at Toledo, Blair led the Rockets to 13 conference championships and a 282% increase in fundraising gifts. He inherits a Syracuse program that has struggled in recent years, finishing last in the ACC in football in 2025 and facing a three-year NCAA Tournament drought in men's basketball. One of Blair's immediate tasks will be hiring a new basketball coach to replace Adrian Autry.

  • Blair will officially start as Syracuse's athletic director on July 1, 2026.
  • Syracuse finished last in the ACC in football in 2025.

The players

Bryan Blair

The new athletic director at Syracuse University, who previously led the Toledo Rockets' athletic department to great success.

Mike Haynie

The incoming chancellor of Syracuse University, who is bringing in Blair to lead the school's athletics program.

Fran Brown

The head football coach at Syracuse, who has described the team's budget as 'not the most, but also not the least' in the ACC.

Adrian Autry

The former men's basketball coach at Syracuse, who is being replaced by Blair's new hire.

Steve Ballentine

The chairman of Syracuse's Board of Trustees Athletics Committee, who led the search that resulted in Blair's hiring.

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What they’re saying

“Syracuse University is one of the most iconic programs in college athletics, with a proud championship history, world-class academics and an incredibly passionate fan base. The opportunity to lead Orange Athletics at this moment is incredibly exciting because the potential ahead is extraordinary.”

— Bryan Blair, New Syracuse Athletic Director

“Mike Haynie is a thoughtful leader who doesn't make decisions lightly. If he's bringing someone in, it's because they check all the boxes. As college athletics becomes increasingly driven by NIL and business dynamics, Syracuse is fortunate to have a chancellor who understands that landscape and is preparing the university for the next generation of athletics!”

— Vinny Lobdell, Entrepreneur and Syracuse Donor

“Bryan is an impressive leader who stood out in a pool of high-caliber candidates from across college athletics, professional sports and other relevant industries. He is an innovator who finds opportunities others don't see, a competitor who builds championship cultures and a leader who brings out the best in every member of his team. He is going to do big things at Syracuse, and I am thrilled to welcome him to the Orange Nation.”

— Steve Ballentine, Chairman, Syracuse Board of Trustees Athletics Committee

What’s next

Blair's immediate task will be hiring a new men's basketball coach to replace Adrian Autry and work to increase funding for Syracuse's athletic programs to field more competitive teams.

The takeaway

The hiring of Bryan Blair as Syracuse's new athletic director represents a significant investment by the university in revitalizing its athletics program. Blair's innovative approach, proven track record of success, and ability to navigate the evolving landscape of college sports make him well-equipped to lead the Orange into a new era of excellence.