Marshall University Hires New Athletic Director

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Christian Spears has been named as Marshall University's Athletic Director.

Spears comes from Pitt where he was assistant AD in charge of financial operations and media relations. Spears has had previous stops at Long Beach State, Southern Illinois, Northern Illinois, Ohio State, Eastern Michigan, and of course Pitt in his 25 year career of athletic administration. He holds degrees from Washington, Cal State, and a law degree from Ohio State.

Spears replaces interim AD Jeff O'Malley who filled in for long time AD Mike Hamrick, who took another role at the University.

Spears faces several immediate challenges as Marshall transitions from membership in CUSA to the Sun Belt Conference. The Herd may face litigation by the CUSA if Marshall tries to play a Sun Belt schedule in 22-23 instead of 23-24. That and the future direction of the men's basketball program that has been an embarrassment this season.

Spears hire also breaks with history as he has no previous ties to Marshall or West Virginia. This and the recent hire of Brad Smith as school president may bring a refreshing change from dwelling on the tragedy of 1970 to building towards the future. 1970 must never be forgotten, but it should also not be a roadblock for Marshall and the Huntington community.

https://wvmetronews.com/2022/02/21/mars ... -director/