Outgoing Ohio State AD Gene Smith shares note of gratitude

It’s a new era for Ohio State athletics.

Athletic director Gene Smith officially stepped down last week, meaning it’s new athletic director Ross Bjork’s turn to lead one of the nation’s largest college athletic departments. Smith has built an already significant OSU brand into an even bigger part of the college landscape and it will now be up to Bjork to keep things moving forward and manage all the changes that are coming at breakneck speed.

Smith leaves the program in great shape, and you knew he wasn’t going to go out without posting something to Buckeye Nation. He shared some heartfelt thoughts on social media Friday, his last day on the job. The theme was one of utmost respect, gratitude and reflection, and you can check it out below.

🥹 A message to Buckeye Nation from Gene Smith, Senior Vice President and Director of Endowed Sports at the Wolfe Foundation.
Thanks Gene! 🫶 | @OSU_AD | #GoBucks

— Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) June 28, 2024

We wish nothing but the best to one of the best to do it in sports and hope that official retirement will be full of still watching a ton of Ohio State athletics, but with maybe a little less stress than before.

Good luck to you Gene!

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