TCU Set to Welcome Army’s Mike Buddie as New Athletic Director
In a move that has the college sports world buzzing, TCU is on the verge of appointing Army Athletic Director Mike Buddie as its new AD. This exciting development was shared with ESPN by reliable sources on Tuesday, and it seems the school is already in the process of informing key stakeholders about this significant hire.
Mike Buddie, who has been at the helm of Army’s athletic department since 2019, is coming off a remarkable season with the Black Knights. Under his leadership, Army achieved a historic milestone by securing 12 wins in football for the first time ever and clinching the American Athletic Conference title in their debut year in the league. This success story has undoubtedly set the stage for Buddie’s next chapter at TCU.
At 54, Buddie has demonstrated his prowess in steering Army from football independence into the AAC, all while maintaining the Black Knights’ ability to compete for the prestigious Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy. His strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in Army’s recent achievements, and TCU is eager to see how he will bring his expertise to their athletic department.
As Buddie prepares to take over at TCU, he will be filling the shoes of Jeremiah Donati, who recently departed for the athletic director position at South Carolina earlier this December. Buddie steps into a department where the football program is fresh off a 9-4 season and a national title game appearance after the 2022 season. The Horned Frogs are poised to continue their upward trajectory, and Buddie’s arrival is expected to bolster their ambitions.
In the newly restructured Big 12, TCU is considered one of the premier jobs in the league. The athletic department boasts established coaches like Sonny Dykes in football and Jamie Dixon in men’s basketball, providing a solid foundation for Buddie to build upon. His extensive experience as a fundraiser, demonstrated through his successful campaigns at West Point, will be a valuable asset as he takes on this new role.
Before his tenure at Army, Buddie served as the athletic director at Furman and spent nearly a decade working in the athletic department at his alma mater, Wake Forest. His diverse background in athletics administration is complemented by his experience as a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Buddie was part of the 1998 World Series-winning New York Yankees team and also played for the Milwaukee Brewers.
- TCU is set to hire Army’s Mike Buddie as the new athletic director.
- Buddie led Army to a historic 12-win football season and an AAC title.
- He replaces Jeremiah Donati, who moved to South Carolina.
- TCU’s football program recently had a 9-4 season and a national title game appearance.
- Buddie brings extensive fundraising experience and a diverse athletic background.
With Buddie’s appointment, TCU is looking forward to a new era of success and growth in its athletic programs. His track record of achievements and leadership skills make him a promising addition to the Horned Frogs’ team. As the college sports community eagerly awaits the official announcement, all eyes are on TCU to see how Buddie will shape the future of their athletics.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
