MSU seeks new athletic director as Haller steps down, Izzo to serve as co-interim

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Changes are coming to Michigan State University (MSU) Athletics.

Thursday, MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz announced Spartan Athletics Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Alan Haller is leaving the university after a four-year tenure.

“I’m grateful for Alan’s leadership since I joined the university and appreciate the success our programs have seen under his leadership,” Guskiewicz said. “He is deeply committed to this university and has led with honesty and integrity.”

Haller was appointed vice president and director in September 2021.

During Haller’s tenure, Spartan Athletics saw Big Ten championships for several programs, including men’s basketball, women’s soccer, women’s gymnastics, men’s ice hockey and women’s cross country, officials said.

Several programs also made postseason appearances.

In addition, student achievement experienced success in the classroom with Spartan Athletics posting the highest cumulative GPA in athletic department in 2024 at 3.4324, according to officials.

Haller’s last day with Michigan State University will be May 11.

“This is a pivotal time for college athletics, where innovation, effective communications and community engagement are more important than ever,” Guskiewicz said. “Our next athletic director will lead one of the nation’s more storied athletic programs, home to 23 varsity sports, a passionate fan base, a long legacy of academic and athletic excellence and, most importantly, an ambitious future.”

Michigan State University is set to launch a search for a new athletic director in the coming weeks.

In the interim, Jennifer Smith, current deputy athletic director, and Tom Izzo, men’s head basketball coach, will serve as co-interim athletic directors during the search, officials said.

Michigan State University plans to use TurnkeyZRG and an advisory committee throughout the search process.