MEMPHIS, Tenn. — University of Memphis Athletic Director Laird Veatch is leaving Memphis to accept the same job at the University of Missouri, a source close with the U of M told ABC24 Monday.
The University of Memphis announced Tuesday Senior Deputy Athletic Director Jeff Crane will serve as Interim Athletic Director.
Veatch was Memphis' athletic director for nearly five years, accepting the job in October 2019.
His tenure saw Memphis football's conference championship and Cotton Bowl appearance in 2019, as well as Memphis men's basketball's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2014 under Head Coach Penny Hardaway.
He was instrumental in securing a $25 million NIL deal with FedEx, signed for the next five years.
Veatch also secured contract extensions for both Hardaway and head football coach Ryan Silverfield, as well as campaigning for state funding for an overhaul of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Veatch brings SEC experience to Mizzou, serving as the executive associate athletic director at the University of Florida from 2017 to 2019.
University of Memphis President Bill Hardgrave released the following statement Tuesday: “I want to thank Laird Veatch for his leadership, vision and dedication to the University of Memphis and our student-athletes. It has been a pleasure to work alongside him, and we wish him the best. Senior Deputy Athletic Director Jeff Crane will serve as Interim Athletic Director as we explore our options in the coming weeks.
Tiger Nation, as you are aware, we have tremendous momentum within our University and Athletic Department. You can rest assured we will maintain that positive trajectory through this leadership transition. This position deserves the best and brightest leadership talent in collegiate athletics. Our next leader will share the vision of where we are heading as we continue to build our promising future in Tiger Athletics.”