What Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns athletic director Bryan Maggard said about opening at Missouri

Tim Buckley, The Advertiser, July 30, 2021

UL athletic administrator Bryan Maggard said he hasn’t spoken with Missouri officials or its search firm regarding the SEC program’s vacant athletic director position.

But Maggard, who spent 20-plus years at Missouri before taking over at UL in 2017, acknowledges multiple reports listing him as a potential candidate.

“If you read the media reports my hat is in the ring,” Maggard, who received his doctorate from Missouri, told The Daily Advertiser on Thursday.

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Sterk leaving Missouri

Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk will step down when his replacement is hired, the Tigers announced Monday.

Maggard spent 21 years at Missouri, most recently as executive associate athletic director. He left about six months after Sterk was hired from San Diego State in 2016.

“Here’s what I will tell you, and it’s no different than any opportunity that might present itself: Anytime, whether it’s me, (football) Coach (Billy) Napier, any one of our staff members … we’re being recognized as a candidate I just think that speaks to the full body of work we’re doing here.”

“Again, I have not spoken to anybody and that’s all I can say right now,” Maggard said. “I don’t know if there are plans or no plans. I think the ball would be in their court. They would be the hiring entity.

“But I’m telling you right now: I am just focused on what we’re doing right here, so focused, raising money, selling tickets and positioning this athletic department to be the best version it can be.”

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L recently agreed to a 15-year, $15 million naming rights agreement for Cajun Field with Our Lady of Lourdes that will allow major football stadium renovation to soon begin.

“I’m certainly flattered anytime my name is mentioned,” Maggard said, “but I also will tell you this: We have a ton of work to do here. I love where I’m at. I love the people I work with and, certainly, look forward to completing a full body of work here if I’m allowed.”

 

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Maggard has new contract

In January, Maggard said he spoke with Boise State about its vacant athletic director position.

In June, the UL System Board of Supervisors approved a new contract for Maggard raising his base salary from $295,000 to $400,000 and changing his title to vice president of intercollegiate athletics.

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The deal runs through 2026, includes a 2.5% annual raise and contains a current $50,000 buyout if he were to leave for a commensurate position.

Maggard is among multiple former Missouri staffers currently serving as athletic director at other NCAA programs, a list also including Doug Gillin (Appalachian State), Wren Baker (North Texas), Mark Allnut (Buffalo), Whit Babcock (Virginia Tech), Jamie Pollard (Iowa State) and Nicki Moore (Colgate).