Kentucky targeting Michigan State AD J Batt, sources say
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Kentucky is pursuing Michigan State athletic director J Batt as its new athletic director, aiming to bring him back to the SEC, though no deal has been finalized yet.
- Batt's potential departure would add to ongoing administrative instability at Michigan State, which has seen multiple leadership changes including the recent unexpected exit of president Kevin Guskiewicz.
- Batt, formerly Georgia Tech's athletic director and known for his strong fundraising skills, was recruited to Michigan State for his experience in football and basketball and for establishing Spartan Ventures to boost revenues.
- His SEC background includes a significant tenure at Alabama where he led a $600 million capital campaign, enhancing his appeal to Kentucky as they seek to modernize their athletic department after Mitch Barnhart's 24-year tenure.
- Kentucky's athletic department faces challenges in competing with SEC football spending and improving men's basketball performance, prompting the search for a dynamic new athletic director.