Texas A&M president releases statement on Ross Bjork departure, search for new athletic director

Texas A&M president Mark A. Welsh III has released a statement after Ohio State announced it was hiring Ross Bjork as its next athletic director. Bjork will take over for Gene Smith, the Buckeyes’ longtime AD who is retiring June 30.

“Ross Bjork has played a pivotal role in advancing Texas A&M University’s athletics programs and contributing to the overall success of our student-athletes,” Welsh said. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the lasting impact he has had on our student-athletes, coaches, staff and the 12th Man. We wish him great success as he joins the tremendous leadership team at Ohio State University; they are lucky to have him and his family.

“All of us at Texas A&M are committed to maintaining the momentum of our athletics programs. A committee will be formed quickly to identify a new Director of Athletics, and I look forward to welcoming that leader to Aggieland as soon as possible.”

Bjork took over as Texas A&M athletic director in 2019 after serving in the same role at Ole Miss from 2012-19. One of his most notable hires in College Station was baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle, who took the Aggies to a 42-18 overall record and a College World Series appearance in his first season at the helm in 2022.

Of course, the biggest decision he had to make came during the 2023 football season when he fired head football coach Jimbo Fisher. Fisher had a sizable buyout as part of a contract extension which came about after Bjork joined Texas A&M. He did not initially hire Fisher.

Now, Bjork is preparing to fill the Smith’s shoes, which will be no easy task. One of the most respected administrators in the country, Smith served as Ohio State’s athletic director since 2005 and oversaw an impressive period of time for Buckeyes athletics, which included a national championship in football under Urban Meyer.

Smith will officially retire on June 30, opening the door for Bjork to take over. With Tuesday’s announcement, he released a statement on his successor.

“Ross is uniquely equipped to step into our Buckeye community and make an immediate impact,” Smith said. “As I have said, Ohio State has afforded me the professional opportunity of a lifetime, and I am forever grateful. My final, important project over the next several months will be to work with Ross to ensure a smooth and effective transition with our student-athletes, coaches, department staff and university leaders.”

Bjork also commented on his decision in the release, expressing his excitement to get going in Columbus and take the torch from Smith.

“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. “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.”