Yahoo Sports Jeremiah Donati agrees to 6-year deal as South Carolina’s new AD. Here are the details
South Carolina’s athletic director post has been an office of stability. Over the past 36 years, only four men have served as the Gamecocks’ athletics leader.
On Thursday, that number became five.
The hiring of Jeremiah Donati, who had previously served seven years as TCU’s AD, was approved by the South Carolina Board of Trustees. Donati will take over for the outgoing Ray Tanner, who announced in September he’d be transitioning roles at the university once USC found his replacement.
South Carolina is making sure Donati will be in the capital city for a while. The board approved a six-year contract for Donati that will pay him $1.9 million per year and increase $100,000 annually. His contract runs from Jan. 2, 2025 through June 30, 2031.
That is a raise from what he was making at TCU ($1.33 million) and also more than Tanner ($1.175 million) is currently bringing in.
USC will also pay his $2.5 million contract buyout at TCU. He becomes the school’s 31st director of athletics.
Unlike Tanner — who won a pair of national championships as the Gamecocks baseball coach before serving as AD for a dozen years — Donati was not an in-house choice. He comes to Columbia without SEC experience or connections to the state of South Carolina, a move that perhaps brings an ability to inject the athletic department with a fresh perspective.
In South Carolina’s press release announcing the hire, the school said “Donati brings to Columbia a wealth of experience in navigating an ever-changing collegiate sports landscape.”
Donati spoke briefly to the board ahead of his introductory press conference, calling his new job the “perfect opportunity” for him and his family. Donati and wife Nicole have two daughters, Colette and Naomi.
“Thank you all or approving my appointment,” he said. “I could not be more excited to be here in Columbia with you all as your new athletic director. ... I will not disappoint you.”
South Carolina’s recent athletic director history
Jeremiah Donati, 2024-
Ray Tanner, 2012-2024
Eric Hyman, 2005-2012
Mike McGee, 1993-2005
King Dixon, 1988-1993
