Michigan State University has officially announced that it is parting ways with athletic director Alan Haller, with his final day set for May 11. In the interim, men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo and deputy athletic director Jennifer Smith will step in as co-interim athletic directors while the school begins its search for a permanent replacement.
Tom Izzo, a staple of the Spartans’ athletics program since becoming head coach in 1995, brings decades of leadership and experience to the interim role. Jennifer Smith, who has spent 23 years with the university, also provides deep institutional knowledge, having served in various roles including compliance director and deputy athletic director.
The university plans to initiate a formal nationwide search for its next athletic director in the coming weeks. The administration has stressed the importance of finding a leader who can guide Michigan State athletics through a time of transformation in collegiate sports.
In a public statement, university president Kevin M. Guskiewicz emphasized that the next AD must possess innovation, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to community engagement. He highlighted the program’s rich history, which includes 23 varsity sports and a strong foundation of both academic and athletic success, as critical assets for the incoming leader to build upon.
Haller’s tenure included several pivotal moments, most notably the dismissal of former football coach Mel Tucker in 2023 following allegations of sexual misconduct. Tucker’s termination sparked controversy and led to a wrongful termination lawsuit against the university, with Haller and interim president Teresa Woodruff named in the filing.
Despite the turbulence, Haller made what many consider a legacy-defining decision in hiring Jonathan Smith as Tucker’s successor. That move has been viewed as one of the most consequential during his time as athletic director and could shape the future trajectory of the football program.
Tom Izzo’s involvement in the interim leadership is particularly symbolic given his legendary status at Michigan State. He’s one of the most successful coaches in college basketball history, having guided the Spartans to numerous championships and Final Four appearances, and was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2016.
Izzo’s loyalty and long-standing ties to the university offer stability during this leadership transition. As a Michigan native and former assistant under Jud Heathcote, his legacy is deeply intertwined with the fabric of Spartan athletics.
Jennifer Smith brings a wealth of administrative experience to the role, having handled NCAA compliance and served as a senior women’s administrator. Her steady presence and comprehensive understanding of athletic operations provide a strong counterbalance to Izzo’s on-court perspective.
Together, Izzo and Smith will help guide the athletic department through this interim period as Michigan State navigates one of the most significant leadership transitions in its recent athletic history.
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