Sources: Michigan State to hire Western Michigan AD Bartholomae
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Michigan State is finalizing a deal to hire Western Michigan athletic director Dan Bartholomae as its next athletic director, replacing J Batt who left for Kentucky.
- Bartholomae, 46, has been Western Michigan's athletic director since 2022, overseeing a men's hockey national title in 2025 and a MAC football championship under coach Lance Taylor.
- He previously served as executive deputy athletic director at Oregon State and is known for strong fundraising, helping Western Michigan raise a record $21.8 million in 2025-26.
- Bartholomae joins Michigan State during a transitional period with new football coach Pat Fitzgerald starting and longtime basketball coach Tom Izzo entering his 31st season.
- The athletic director vacancy arose amid administrative turmoil involving Michigan State president Kevin Guskiewicz, who briefly announced leaving for Clemson before returning and leading the hiring process.
