Welcome to the Ross Bjork era.
On Monday, Bjork started his career as Ohio State’s athletic director, succeeding Gene Smith, who retired after 19 years in the role. In a statement on X, Bjork called himself “grateful, humbled and fired up” to be the school's next AD and made three promises to Buckeye Nation.
The journey begins officially at THE Ohio State University. Could not be more grateful, humbled & fired up to lead Buckeye Athletics & Business Advancement into a new era.
— Ross Bjork (@RossBjorkAD) July 1, 2024
Lets go Buckeyes pic.twitter.com/8iDdoe6bva
"As I get started on July 1, the only promises I will make will be based on three things,” Bjork wrote. "I will work at my maximum effort every single day for you and our student-athletes. I will carry myself with a positive attitude and humble confidence about who we are, what we stand for and how we do it. I will embrace and cherish our role in supporting student-athletes while being a great steward of the treasured assets within Buckeye Athletics and Business Advancement."
Hired on Jan. 16, Bjork arrived in Columbus on March 1 and served as a special advisor to Ohio State president Ted Carter and Smith. Over the past four months, he learned what it takes to be the Buckeyes' athletic director from Smith and others. He also received a few opportunities to hire new coaches, including Jake Diebler (men's basketball), Kirin Kumar (softball), Justin Haire (baseball) and Emily Gackowski (rowing).
Ohio State is Bjork's fourth stop as an athletic director, following stints at Texas A&M, Ole Miss and Western Kentucky. He previously worked in athletic departments at UCLA, Miami (Florida) and Missouri. A Dodge City, Kansas, native, Bjork played football at Emporia State University and has a master's degree in administration from Western Illinois.
Bjork, who is 51 years old and will turn 52 in October, was the youngest athletic director in the FBS when Western Kentucky hired him in 2010. He spent two years there, seven years at Ole Miss and another five years at Texas A&M.
“I have been extraordinarily fortunate to work with so many outstanding student-athletes, coaches, staff and university leaders throughout my career, and Ohio State represents the culmination of these efforts,” Bjork said back in January. “To be a part of Buckeye Nation, along with its storied traditions and long history of achievement, is a tremendous honor and a welcome challenge. I can’t wait to get started.”
Ohio State's Sports Say Goodbye to Gene Smith
On Friday, Ohio State's sports honored and thanked Smith for his 19 years of service to the school. Smith also sent a message to Buckeye Nation, thanking Ohio State fans for their "unwavering support of our student-athletes, coaches and support staff" during his tenure.
Ohio State Athletics
A message to Buckeye Nation from Gene Smith, Senior Vice President & Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletics Director.
— Ohio State Buckeyes (@OhioStAthletics) June 28, 2024
Thank You Gene! | @OSU_AD | #GoBucks
Ohio State Football
Thank you, @OSU_AD for all of your support on & off the field. Enjoy a well deserved retirement!
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) June 28, 2024
#GoBucks https://t.co/W0CWFdggDy pic.twitter.com/Ch3mYwVDIe
Ohio State Men's Basketball
Thankful for all youve done for our program and @OhioStAthletics Truly the & you will be very missed @OSU_AD | #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/LSX8IOz2yZ
— Ohio State Hoops (@OhioStateHoops) June 28, 2024
Ohio State Women's Basketball
Wishing the best in retirement to @OSU_AD Thank you for all the love & support you have poured into our program. We couldnt achieve what we have without you. Thank you Gene #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/FMkXkXwcwT
— Ohio State Womens Basketball (@OhioStateWBB) June 28, 2024
Ohio State Women's Hockey
Thank you @OSU_AD!
— Ohio State Women's Hockey (@OhioStateWHKY) June 28, 2024
Once a Buckeye, Always a Buckeye #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/pKzwSdF8Xv
