🚨Surprise Move: Former Ohio State Athletic Boss Gene Smith Tapped by Maryland in Strategic Six-Month Consultancy Role
In a move that’s already sending ripples across the Big Ten and beyond, former Ohio State University Athletic Director Gene Smith has reportedly taken on a consulting role with the University of Maryland — a strategic short-term appointment expected to last six months. The development marks Smith’s first major return to college athletics since stepping down from his historic tenure at Ohio State earlier this year.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, Smith will be working alongside Maryland’s athletic department to provide high-level guidance, particularly in the areas of administrative restructuring, NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) strategy, conference navigation, and long-term vision planning. Though the deal hasn’t yet been confirmed publicly by the university, insiders say the consultancy officially began earlier this month.
Smith, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in collegiate athletics over the last two decades, spent nearly 20 years as Ohio State’s Athletic Director. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes achieved national prominence across multiple sports, expanded their facilities portfolio, and pioneered new standards in athlete support, compliance, and marketing.
His decision to now lend that deep well of experience to Maryland — a school still carving out its place in the hypercompetitive Big Ten landscape — has stunned many in the college sports world and sparked speculation about broader changes coming to the Terrapins’ athletic future.
“This is a power move from Maryland,” said one Big Ten insider. “Bringing in someone like Gene Smith, even temporarily, signals that the school is serious about elevating its profile. It’s like hiring a blueprint architect to help future-proof your entire athletics structure.”
Though no formal announcements have come from either side, sources suggest Smith is already advising on critical issues facing Maryland — from facilities upgrades and budget prioritization to the evolving media rights environment affecting all Power Five programs.
It’s unclear whether the consultancy could evolve into something longer-term, but for now, the six-month advisory deal appears focused and targeted. Smith’s presence is reportedly being felt in high-level strategy meetings and leadership roundtables across Maryland’s athletics office.
Fans of both Maryland and Ohio State have reacted strongly on social media, with many praising Smith’s decision to stay involved in the sport and commending Maryland for making such a bold move. “Gene Smith is a college sports mastermind,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “If Maryland is listening, this could change everything for them.”
This surprise alliance between Smith and Maryland also raises interesting questions about the future of leadership in the NCAA, particularly as schools look to steady themselves amid the rapid evolution of college sports, including NIL policies, conference realignments, and athlete rights.
