Texas A&M names R.C. Slocum Interim Athletics Director

Texas A&M has named R.C. Slocum its Interim Athletics Director after the departure of Ross Bjork to Ohio State.

Slocum will run Texas A&M athletics until a permanent Athletics Director hire is made. The news was announced Monday afternoon in a press release according to multiple reports, including one from Ralph Russo.

R.C. Slocum was the head football coach of the Aggies from 1989-2002. He compiled a 123-47-2 record during his time running the Aggies program. Slocum was also an assistant coach for several years at Texas A&M, prior to becoming the head coach. He previously served as the interim AD for the Aggies in 2019.

Slocum is serving as the Special Assistant to the President at Texas A&M, in addition to his added role as Interim AD.

“Coach Slocum has been a champion for Texas A&M on and off the field for more than 50 years,” Texas A&M President Mark Welsh said in a statement in announcing R.C. Slocum as Interim Athletics Director. “His passion for this university, knowledge of Aggies athletics and commitment to the success of our student-athletes are second to none, and I’m grateful for his willingness to once again step into this interim role.”

Slocum was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2012. He is also a member of the College Football Playoff selection committee.

“I am honored to be asked to serve as the interim athletics director at Texas A&M, a university close to my heart,” Slocum said in a statement. “I have great respect for President Welsh and will do my best to make him, Texas A&M and, most importantly, our coaches and student-athletes, proud.”

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

Texas A&M president Mark A. Welsh III released a statement after Ohio State announced it was hiring Ross Bjork as its next athletics 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.”