Toledo Athletic Director Bryan Blair Leaving for Syracuse

Blair has led Toledo to 13 conference titles since 2022.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:51pm

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University of Toledo Athletic Director Bryan Blair is expected to leave his position to take the same role at Syracuse University, according to a report from ESPN's Pete Thamel. Blair has been the Toledo AD since 2022 and has overseen a successful tenure, with the school winning 13 Mid-American Conference championships during his leadership.

Why it matters

Blair's departure would be a significant loss for the University of Toledo, as he has helped the school achieve unprecedented athletic success in his short time as AD. His move to Syracuse would be a major gain for the Orange, as they look to bolster their athletic department and competitiveness.

The details

Under Blair's leadership since 2022, the University of Toledo has won 13 Mid-American Conference championships, including becoming the first FBS program to win outright conference titles in football, men's basketball, women's basketball, women's cross country, women's tennis and men's tennis in the 2022-23 season. Prior to Toledo, Blair held leadership roles at Washington State University, Rice University and the University of South Carolina.

  • Blair has been the athletic director at the University of Toledo since 2022.
  • A deal for Blair to become the new athletic director at Syracuse University is expected in the near future.

The players

Bryan Blair

The current athletic director at the University of Toledo, who is expected to leave for the same position at Syracuse University.

Syracuse University

The university that is reportedly targeting Blair to become their new athletic director.

University of Toledo

The school that Blair has served as athletic director for since 2022, during which time they have won 13 Mid-American Conference championships.

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What they’re saying

“Sources: Syracuse is targeting Toledo's Bryan Blair as the school's new athletic director, with a deal expected in the near future.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The University of Toledo is expected to begin a search for a new athletic director to replace Bryan Blair, who is leaving for Syracuse University.

The takeaway

Bryan Blair's departure from the University of Toledo would be a significant loss for the school, as he has overseen unprecedented athletic success during his tenure as athletic director. However, his move to Syracuse University represents a major gain for the Orange as they look to bolster their athletic department.