Jason Batt Set to Leave Georgia Tech for Michigan State

News Summary

Jason ‘J’ Batt, the athletic director at Georgia Tech, is close to finalizing a move to Michigan State University as their new athletic director. His new contract is expected to enhance his compensation significantly. Michigan State will reportedly pay Georgia Tech $2 million for his resignation. Batt, who has helped raise substantial funds for Georgia Tech’s athletics since his appointment, will mark the fourth athletic director change at the university in over a decade. His official announcement is anticipated soon.

Atlanta – Jason “J” Batt Poised to Depart Georgia Tech for Michigan State

Jason “J” Batt, the athletic director at Georgia Tech, is reportedly on the verge of moving to Michigan State University for their vacant athletic director position. This change marks a significant transition as Batt’s expected new contract with Michigan State is projected to last six years, substantially boosting his overall compensation.

According to sources, Michigan State is set to pay Georgia Tech approximately $2 million to facilitate Batt’s resignation from his current position. His official announcement as Michigan State’s new athletic director is anticipated to be made on Monday, June 2.

Overview of Batt’s Tenure at Georgia Tech

Since taking the reins at Georgia Tech in October 2022, Batt has made considerable strides in fundraising and infrastructure improvements. He was a crucial figure behind the university’s ambitious $500 million “Full Steam Ahead” fundraising initiative, helping to amass nearly $300 million in support for athletic facility enhancements. These efforts included renovations to the historic Bobby Dodd Stadium and significant upgrades to the basketball center.

During his time at Georgia Tech, Batt secured key appointments for head coaching positions, notably hiring Brent Key as the head football coach and Damon Stoudamire to lead the men’s basketball program. His leadership has been credited with revitalizing the athletic department and engaging alumni and community support.

Financial and Contractual Details

At Georgia Tech, Batt’s contract included an initial annual base salary of $979,000, with yearly increases of $100,000 planned throughout its duration. Additionally, he earned a supplemental salary of $271,000. His contract was extended in December 2022, aiming to keep him at the university through 2029, demonstrating a perceived commitment both from him and the institution.

Background on Michigan State’s Athletic Director Search

Michigan State’s urgency to fill the athletic director role arose following the dismissal of Alan Haller on May 1. Following this change, the search for a qualified replacement has intensified, with Batt emerging as a prime candidate due to his achievements at Georgia Tech and previous experience in collegiate athletics.

Before joining Georgia Tech, Batt held significant positions within the athletic administration at the University of Alabama from 2017 to 2022, where he functioned as the executive deputy director of athletics, chief operating officer, and chief revenue officer. His background also includes roles at East Carolina University, the University of Maryland, James Madison University, William & Mary, and the University of North Carolina, where he was part of the NCAA championship men’s soccer team in 2001.

Future of Georgia Tech’s Athletic Department

Batt’s impending departure will mark the fourth change in the athletic director position at Georgia Tech since 2012. As the university prepares for this transition, questions arise about whether it will conduct an external search for his successor or promote from within its existing administrative ranks. The situation regarding future leadership is developing, with further updates expected as decisions are made.

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Additional Resources

• Sports Illustrated: J Batt Leaving Georgia Tech
• Wikipedia: Jason Batt
• Atlanta News First: Report on J Batt
• Google Search: J Batt
• AJC: Michigan State to Hire J Batt
• Google Scholar: Jason Batt Georgia Tech
• Free Press: J Batt to Michigan State
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia Tech
• Spartan Avenue: J Batt Announcement
• Google News: Michigan State Athletic Director