Maryland Looks to MLB for New Athletic Director
The University of Maryland is reportedly thinking outside the box in its search for a new athletic director, with plans to hire Jim Smith, the senior vice president of business strategy for the Atlanta Braves, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Smith, who has held his current role since 2020, will replace Damon Evans, who left in March for a position at SMU amidst significant turmoil within Maryland’s athletic department. The departure came after the men’s basketball team’s coach, Kevin Willard, briefly flirted with Villanova during the NCAA tournament before ultimately leaving Maryland for the Wildcats.
Smith brings a wealth of experience not just from MLB, but also from roles with the Atlanta Falcons, Columbus Crew, and Ohio State University. He previously served as general manager for several successful Columbus Crew teams in the early 2000s and worked in Ohio State’s prominent marketing department.
The Terrapins’ 2026 season will kick off on August 30, when they host Florida Atlantic in football.
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