Syracuse Hires Toledo AD Bryan Blair as New Athletic Director

Blair tasked with reviving Orange sports programs and restoring prestige to Syracuse athletics

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:51am

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Syracuse University has named Bryan B. Blair, the current vice president and director of athletics at the University of Toledo, as its new athletic director. Blair will replace the retiring John Wildhack and is expected to lead efforts to rejuvenate the school's sports programs, particularly the struggling men's basketball team.

Why it matters

Syracuse athletics, especially the men's basketball team, have fallen into obscurity in recent years. Hiring an experienced and successful athletic director like Blair is seen as a crucial step in reviving the school's proud sports tradition and restoring the Orange's status as a powerhouse program.

The details

Under Blair's leadership since 2022, Toledo has won 16 league championships and established itself as a Mid-American Conference powerhouse. Blair is known as an avid fundraiser and culture-builder, qualities that Syracuse believes will be vital in turning around its athletic department. Blair's first priority will be to find a new head coach for the men's basketball team, which has struggled mightily in recent seasons.

  • Blair will officially begin his new role as Syracuse's athletic director on April 1, 2026.
  • John Wildhack is set to retire from his position as Syracuse's athletic director on March 31, 2026.

The players

Bryan B. Blair

The current vice president and director of athletics at the University of Toledo, who has been hired as the new athletic director at Syracuse University.

John Wildhack

The retiring athletic director at Syracuse University, who will be replaced by Bryan B. Blair.

J. Michael Haynie

The recently named chancellor and president of Syracuse University, who announced the hiring of Bryan B. Blair as the new athletic director.

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What they’re saying

“Bryan Blair is the athletics leader for this moment and for the future of Syracuse University. He is a fierce competitor who knows how to build winning programs, a visionary who approaches the business of college athletics with genuine creativity and ingenuity, and a leader of exemplary character who understands that athletics exists to serve students and the broader University mission. He is exactly the right person to lead the new era of Syracuse University Athletics.”

— J. Michael Haynie, Chancellor and President, Syracuse University

“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 B. Blair

What’s next

Blair's first order of business will be to begin the search for a new head coach for the Syracuse men's basketball team, which has struggled in recent seasons.

The takeaway

The hiring of Bryan B. Blair as Syracuse's new athletic director represents a crucial step in the school's efforts to revive its once-proud sports programs, particularly the men's basketball team. Blair's track record of success and his reputation as a skilled fundraiser and culture-builder make him an ideal candidate to lead the Orange into a new era of athletic excellence.