Dan Bartholomae begins role as Michigan State athletic director focused on football
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 9:13 AM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Dan Bartholomae has been hired as Michigan State's new athletic director, officially announced on August 17. His primary mission is to support football coach Pat Fitzgerald and enhance the program's competitiveness in the Big Ten. Fitzgerald emphasized the need for transparency and collaboration to develop a long-term plan for the football team. This hiring comes shortly before Fitzgerald's debut game on September 4 against Toledo, following the departure of former AD J Batt. Bartholomae arrives from Western Michigan, tasked with fostering relationships with donors and improving the football program’s financial footing.
- •Dan Bartholomae appointed as Michigan State athletic director on August 17.
- •His focus is on aiding football coach Pat Fitzgerald's program.
- •Fitzgerald’s first game as head coach is September 4 against Toledo.
- •Bartholomae's role includes strengthening donor relationships.
- •He replaces J Batt, who left for Kentucky after one year.
- 9:13 AMYahoo Sports — How new Michigan State AD Dan Bartholomae plans to recruit new donors
- 8:33 PMThe Detroit News — Here's how much Michigan State will pay new AD Dan Bartholomae - The Detroit News
- 10:33 PMYahoo Sports — Funding Michigan State football top mission for new AD Dan Bartholomae
"Pat Fitzgerald has a new boss. And for Dan Bartholomae, his priority as Michigan State's new athletic director is helping football and Fitzgerald win.
"Michigan State athletic director Dan Bartholomae has a lot in front of him as he prepares for his new job, including Spartan Stadium naming rights.
"Dan Bartholome, making the move to MSU from Western Michigan, will earn more than $1.5 million a year on a five-year contract.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 20, 2026, 9:13 AMHow new Michigan State AD Dan Bartholomae plans to recruit new donors
Michigan State athletic director Dan Bartholomae has a lot in front of him as he prepares for his new job, including Spartan Stadium naming rights.
- The Detroit NewsAug 19, 2026, 8:33 PMHere's how much Michigan State will pay new AD Dan Bartholomae - The Detroit News
Dan Bartholome, making the move to MSU from Western Michigan, will earn more than $1.5 million a year on a five-year contract.
- Yahoo SportsAug 17, 2026, 10:33 PMFunding Michigan State football top mission for new AD Dan Bartholomae
Pat Fitzgerald has a new boss. And for Dan Bartholomae, his priority as Michigan State's new athletic director is helping football and Fitzgerald win.
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