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Michigan State has announced a change at the top of their athletic department as Men’s head basketball coach Tom Izzo will help lead the charge.
On May 11, Alan Haller will close the chapter on his tenure as Michigan State’s athletic director—a role he embraced in the fall of 2021 with both optimism and resolve. Over the next ten days, campus corridors and Spartan Stadium concourses alike will whisper of Haller’s impact: a steady hand in turbulent times, a leader whose integrity carried programs through upheaval and uncertainty.
Leadership in the Eye of the Storm
Haller arrived amid the fallout of Mel Tucker’s dismissal, charged with restoring trust to a program shaken by scandal. In his first major hire, he tapped Jonathan Smith from Oregon State to guide the Spartans’ football revival—a signal that Haller believed in second chances and fresh starts. Yet, as Michigan State navigates an NCAA inquiry into alleged infractions under Tucker’s watch, Haller’s final act includes steering the university through an investigation that demands transparency and cooperation.
Tom Izzo has been named one of Michigan State’s interim Athletic Directors following Alan Haller’s departure, per @ESPNRittenberg. pic.twitter.com/fDFgS840Vs
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) May 1, 2025
To bridge the gap between today’s departure and tomorrow’s new direction, head men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo will share interim athletic director duties with deputy AD Jennifer Smith. It’s a partnership built on respect: Izzo, a Spartan legend responsible for eight Final Four berths and a 30-7 record this past season, and Smith, the program’s organizational backbone. Together, they’ll guard one of college athletics’ most storied portfolios—23 varsity teams, roars of a loyal fan base, and a legacy of excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
Reflections from the Top
“Alan led with honesty and integrity,” Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz reflected in his announcement. “Our programs have thrived under his guidance, and for that, I am grateful.” Guskiewicz himself inherited the presidency mere months after Tucker’s firing, thrust into a landscape that demanded decisive action and clear communication. In Haller, he found a collaborator whose steady cadence balanced accountability with compassion.
News: Alan Haller is out as Michigan State’s athletic director.
Haller’s last day is May 11. Tom Izzo and deputy AD Jennifer Smith will serve as co-interim ADs during the search. pic.twitter.com/1YbYoWGLcc
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) May 1, 2025
As East Lansing looks ahead, the question isn’t just who comes next but how the Spartans will evolve. “This is a pivotal time for college athletics,” Guskiewicz added, noting that innovation, community engagement, and effective communications are no longer optional—they are essential. Michigan State’s next athletic director must honor traditions forged under coaches like Izzo while charting fresh paths, addressing compliance head-on and seizing opportunities presented by NIL and evolving conference dynamics.
Enduring Spartan Spirit
Throughout every twist—personnel upheavals, national investigations, championship runs—the heartbeat of Spartans athletics has remained constant: resilience. From Haller’s first press conference to his final days, he has leaned into that spirit, rallying staff, coaches, and fans around a shared vision. Now, as the baton passes to Izzo and Smith, the promise is that the Spartan ship, while navigating uncharted waters, will continue its course toward competitive excellence and institutional integrity.
In the coming weeks, as East Lansing bids farewell to its athletic director, it will also welcome fresh leadership rooted in the lessons of the past and the promise of tomorrow—a testament to a program that, even in transition, stands unwaveringly Spartan.
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All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit into the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability, and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts, and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Yankees manager provides major update on Aaron Judge's injury
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge missed Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies with an elbow injury, and the slugger is now headed to the injured list. The Yankees fell 9-4 to the Phillies on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., which marked their third consecutive loss. Judge played in Friday night's 12-5 loss to Philadelphia, but Aaron Boone announced before Saturday's game that Judge was dealing with an "elbow issue" and would sit out. Following his team's latest loss, Boone shared some new information about Judge's injury. Judge has been diagnosed with a flexor strain, but the Yankees believe he can return in less than two weeks. When Judge returns to the lineup, Boone said it will initially be as a designated hitter. Judge is having an outstanding season. He entered Saturday batting .342, which is the best mark in baseball. The reigning American League MVP has 37 home runs, 85 RBI and a 1.160 OPS. The Yankees are now six games behind the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays and fighting to remain atop the wild-card race. It goes without saying that they are hopeful Judge will be able to return as soon as possible.
New suitor emerges for Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez
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Celtics Decision to Cut Young Guard Surprisingly Critical for Boston's Future
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