Oregon State will have a new vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics taking over for current athletic director Scott Barnes, the university announced Thursday.
Kevin Griffin, the new hire, is coming from the Ohio State University athletic department, where he’s been working since 2022. Griffin has served as the associate vice president for brand engagement and services and partnerships; and the associate director of athletics for business strategy at Ohio State. He also worked in business roles for the NFL franchises Seattle Seahawks and Cleveland Browns and the MLS franchise D.C. United.
Griffin will officially start work on July 6. Barnes’ retirement, originally set for Aug. 31, will now take effect on July 5. The new Pac-12 conference will begin July 1, just before Griffin starts work. Barnes is still set to serve as a senior adviser for athletics through Aug. 31, 2027.
“Joining Oregon State University as vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics is a pinnacle moment for me, and I am profoundly grateful to President Murthy for this opportunity to lead,” Griffin said in a press release. “The pride of Beaver Nation is legendary. My immediate priority is to support our student-athletes at the highest level, empower our incredible coaching staff and engage with the passionate fans and partners who fuel our success.”
Barnes served in the AD position since December 2016. Under his tenure, numerous athletic facilities underwent improvements, including Reser Stadium. He was also involved in efforts to rebuild the Pac-12 and to hire numerous head coaches. His exit comes during an active lawsuit related to the firing of a former rowing coach.
“By appointing a leader with a track record in business strategy, revenue generation and marketing, I am positioning Oregon State Athletics for the future as an innovative national leader, aggressively and proactively adapting to the ever-changing landscape of collegiate athletics,” Oregon State President Jayathi Murthy said in a press release.
Oregon State administration did not immediately respond to comment on what Griffin’s starting salary would be. Barnes’ current yearly salary is $985,416. Griffin will be in Corvallis on Tuesday for a press conference.
