Michigan State made a stunning announcement Thursday morning as it opted to go in a different direction by dismissing Athletic Director Alan Haller after holding the position since Sept. 2021.
"I'm grateful for Alan's leadership since I joined the university and appreciate the success our programs have seen under his leadership," President Kevin M. Guskiewicz said in a statement. "He is deeply committed to this university and has led with honesty and integrity."
According to SpartanMag, the reason for the dismissal is the current state of collegiate athletics and Michigan State's need for someone at the forefront of the NIL and fundraising spaces.
"This is a pivotal time for college athletics, where innovation, effective communications and community engagement are more important than ever," Guskiewicz said. "Our next athletic director will lead one of the nation's more storied athletic programs, home to 23 varsity sports, a passionate fan base, a long legacy of academic and athletic excellence and, most importantly, an ambitious future."
Michigan State advanced to the Elite Eight in March under Tom Izzo's direction, while the football program has struggled in recent years but has shown signs of promise under coach Jonathan Smith.
It is unclear what direction the program will take, as Haller's duties conclude one week from Sunday.
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For now, the Spartans are in search of new leadership to build for the future in an ultra-competitive Big Ten, one that sees the Spartans play key in-conference football opponents next season, including USC, UCLA, Michigan and Indiana, to name a few.
Michigan State fell short of a bowl berth after finishing 5-7 this past season, losing three of its final four games.