Miami has hired Clemson athletic director Dan Radakovich to the same position, the school announced on Thursday. The hire of Radakovich, 63, is the latest in a series of big swings aimed at rebuilding Miami’s athletic department back to prominence.
Radakovich, who was named Sports Business Daily’s Athletic Director of the Year in 2017, has served as athletic director at Clemson since 2012, which coincides with the Tigers transforming into a national football power. The athletic department has grown to unprecedented levels under Radakovich’s watch as Dabo Swinney led the program to national championships in 2016 and 2018 among six straight College Football Playoff appearances from 2015-20.
“I am so grateful to President Frenk and the University’s Board of Trustees for this incredible opportunity,” said Radakovich. “Their commitment to Miami Athletics’ comprehensive pursuit of excellence and championships is what brought me back to Miami. As a unified Hurricane family — students, alumni, donors, and fans — there is nothing that we cannot accomplish. We are going to set the bar high and jump over it.”
Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger reports that Miami plans to make Radakovich one of the highest-paid athletic directors in the sport with a deal that could near $3 million annually. His current deal at Clemson paid him closer to $800,000 per year. The big swing is a massive indicator that university president Julio Frenk and other movers and shakers in the university are serious about investing significantly into the football program.
“This is a significant moment for the future of athletics at the University of Miami,” said school president Julio Frenk. “Dan is one of the most highly regarded athletics directors in the country. He knows…
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