Fri Aug 01 05:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Stanford University has hired former Nike CEO John Donahoe as its new athletic director. This move represents a departure from tradition, as Stanford sought a candidate with significant business experience rather than a conventional sports administration background. Donahoe, a Stanford alumnus, brings a wealth of leadership experience from his time at Nike, eBay, PayPal, and Bain & Company. He replaces Bernard Muir, who resigned after 13 years. The hire comes as Stanford navigates its recent move to the ACC and deals with the struggles of its football program, hoping Donahoe’s business acumen will help the athletic department thrive in the evolving financial landscape of college sports.

**News Article:**

**Stanford Taps Former Nike CEO John Donahoe as New Athletic Director**

**Stanford, CA** – Stanford University has made a bold move by appointing former Nike CEO John Donahoe as its new athletic director. The decision, a significant departure from conventional hiring practices, signals a new direction for the university’s athletic program. Donahoe, a Stanford alumnus with an MBA from the university’s Graduate School of Business, brings a wealth of corporate leadership experience to the role.

The 65-year-old Donahoe served as CEO of Nike from January 2020 to October 2024. Before that, he held top leadership positions at eBay, PayPal, and Bain & Company. He replaces Bernard Muir, who stepped down after 13 years.

The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Stanford athletics. The university recently joined the ACC after more than a century in the Pac-12. Stanford’s football program is also facing challenges, having endured four consecutive 3-9 seasons, and former coach Troy Taylor was recently fired. The team will play the 2025 season under interim coach Frank Reich.

By choosing Donahoe, Stanford hopes to leverage his extensive business background to navigate the changing financial landscape of college athletics and ensure the success of its athletic department, particularly its renowned Olympic sports programs.

Read More