Marshall University announced Tuesday that it will not renew the contract of athletic director Christian Spears when it expires next year, and an immediate search for his replacement is underway. The university described the decision as mutual.
Spears, who took the role in February 2022, oversaw Marshall’s move from Conference USA to the Sun Belt Conference and led several notable initiatives, including championship runs and facility upgrades. University President Brad Smith praised Spears’ contributions, saying he leaves the athletic department in a strong position.
However, Spears’ tenure also included turbulence. After Marshall won the Sun Belt football title in December, head coach Charles Huff left for Southern Miss, leading to a wave of player transfers. The program then opted out of the Independence Bowl, incurring a $100,000 fine. Spears defended the decision, stating it was made for the right reasons.
Spears was also involved in hiring new coaches, including football coach Tony Gibson, who had agreed to join Marshall days before Huff’s exit, and women’s basketball coach Kim Caldwell, who led the team to the NCAA Tournament before departing for Tennessee.
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