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Michigan State

Michigan State names former Spartan football player new athletic director

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•09/01/21•

SamraSource

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Michigan State has a new athletic director. According to Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press, Alan Haller has been named the university’s new athletic director.

“MSU named Haller its 20th athletic director during a special Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday,” writes Solari. “Haller, 50, beat out current Auburn athletic director Allen Greene following interviews over the weekend, sources told the Free Press on Monday, after university president Samuel Stanley commissioned a national search to replace Bill Beekman.”

In addition to Haller, Solari states that Auburn athletic director Allen Greene was also in contention for the position. Moreover, UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond was considered, did not interview.

Haller’s hiring comes just two days prior to the Spartans’ kicking off their season against Northwestern.

Alan Haller’s Meteoric Rise

Perhaps no candidate knew the ins and outs of the Michigan State athletic department like Haller. Back in the day, Haller was a member of the Spartans football team, from 1988-1991.

Following, the former Spartans defensive back moved on the the National Football League, where he played from 1992-1995. Afterwards, he returned to Michigan State as a police officer in 1997.

For 13 years, Haller was a member of the Michigan State Police Department – rising through the ranks on his way to lieutenant. Afterwards, he joined the athletic department as an associate athletic director.

Haller continued to rise up the ranks, promoted to senior associate athletic director in 2015 and then adding chief of staff to his title in 2017. Fast forward, it looks like Haller is rising up once again.

Michigan State is entering a new era, and Alan Haller is the man that will lead the charge. With so much success in his past, he’ll look to replicate it in the future.

Magic Johnson, Mel Tucker Approve

Perhaps the greatest athlete in Michigan State history approves of the hiring of Haller. Following the announcement, Earvin Magic Johnson chimed in.

“Congratulations to Alan Haller for being named the new Athletic Director at Michigan State University!” tweeted Johnson. “What an excellent choice!! Alumni, faculty, and student-athletes should be excited because the future is bright for the green and white!”

If you can convince Magic Johnson, you can convince East Lansing.

Additionally, Mel Tucker praised Haller’s leadership abilities.

“Alan has tremendous leadership qualities and has had a way of bringing people together over the years,” the Spartans’ football coach said. “He has the vision and progressive mindset that I admire in a leader. The Spartan family is strong and ready to build a solid foundation towards a better future.”

Evidently, Haller’s tenure is off to a nice start already. One things for sure – nobody should doubt Alan Haller if his track record is any indication.