Syracuse has hired former Toledo athletic director Bryan Blair as its next Director of Athletics. Blair, 40, replaces John Wildhack, who is set to step down after a 10-year stint leading the department at SU.
Blair comes to Syracuse with an extensive background in fundraising and name, image, and likeness initiatives. During his time at Toledo, Blair helped position the school as a leader in NIL within the Mid-American Conference. Toledo became the first school in the conference to launch a collective and to hire a full-time executive dedicated to NIL strategy.
Blair’s hiring comes at a time of significant change at Syracuse. Last week, Mike Haynie was announced as the university’s next chancellor.
"Bryan Blair is the athletics leader for this moment and for the future of Syracuse University," Haynie said in a university statement. "He is exactly the right person to lead the new era of Syracuse University Athletics."
Blair arrives during a turbulent moment for the Syracuse athletic department, which currently has an opening at head basketball coach. Adrian Autry was relieved of his duties Wednesday morning following a first-round loss in the ACC Tournament and no NCAA Tournament appearances during his three seasons leading the program.
According to a report from ESPN, Blair is expected to lead the search for Syracuse’s next men’s basketball coach. Wildhack will remain in his role until his retirement on July 1.
"Syracuse University is one of the most iconic programs in college athletics, with a proud championship history, world-class academics and an incredibly passionate fan base," Blair said. "The opportunity to lead Orange Athletics at this moment is incredibly exciting because the potential ahead is extraordinary. The best days of Syracuse Athletics are ahead of us, and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the program to new levels of excellence."
On the field, the Rockets produced consistent success under Blair’s leadership. Toledo won 13 MAC championships during his first three years as athletic director, more than the program had won in the previous decade.
In Blair’s first year on the job, Toledo became one of only three schools ever to win its conference title in football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball in the same season.
