Michigan State hires J Batt as athletic director

Field Level Media|published: Mon 2nd June, 12:27 2025

NCAA Football: Boston College at Georgia Tech

Oct 21, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets athletic director J Batt on the field before a game against the Boston College Eagles at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Michigan State announced the hiring of J Batt as the Spartans' new athletic director on Monday.

Batt has held that same position at Georgia Tech since 2022 after serving as deputy AD at Alabama (2017-22) and associate AD at East Carolina (2013-17).

"J has an impressive record at several Power 5 schools and an impeccable reputation as a strong and innovative leader," school president Kevin Guskiewicz said. "He will bring experience, excitement and a commitment to elevating Spartan athletics to the next level. We are thrilled to have J join our leadership team at Michigan State."

Batt's tenure in East Lansing will begin the week of June 16, following confirmation by the board of trustees at its June 13 meeting.

Batt, 43, will receive a six-year contract worth more than $1.5 million annually and a buyout of more than $1 million, according to The Detroit News.

"This is truly an amazing opportunity to lead an outstanding, tradition-rich and passionate program, and I am grateful to President Guskiewicz and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity," Batt said. "Working together, in alignment with university leadership, the full athletics department and an enthusiastic fan base, we can take the positive momentum already happening at MSU and reach new levels of success as we move into the next era of intercollegiate athletics. My family and I look forward to joining the Michigan State and East Lansing communities."

Spartans men's basketball coach and current co-interim AD Tom Izzo praised the hiring.

"This is a key moment in the history of Michigan State Athletics," Izzo said. "With J Batt's hiring, President Kevin Guskiewicz has found the right person to lead our department as college athletics continues to evolve. J has displayed tremendous innovation as a leader and has a proven track record of revenue generation. We are excited to welcome J and his family to Michigan State."

Batt replaces Alan Haller, who was relieved of his duties on May 1 after less than four years in the position.

--Field Level Media