COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina has officially appointed Jeremiah Donati from TCU as its new athletic director.
The university’s board of trustees has granted approval for this decision. Donati has dedicated the past seven years to managing the athletic department at TCU and will assume his new role on January 2, 2024, with a contract that extends until June 30, 2031.
In his first year, Donati’s salary will be $1.9 million, with an annual increment of $100,000 for the duration of his contract.
During his introduction to the board, Donati expressed enthusiasm for his new position, stating, “We’re going to have fun. We’re going to work hard. I will not disappoint you.”
At 47 years old, Donati succeeds Ray Tanner, who has held the athletic director title since 2012 and will now take on the role of special advisor to university President Michael Amiridis.
Amiridis praised Donati’s “principles and personality” as key factors in making him the ideal choice for the position.
This marks South Carolina’s second instance of hiring from TCU since 2005, previously selecting Eric Hyman from TCU to lead the Gamecocks. Hyman transitioned to Texas A&M in 2012, leading to Tanner’s promotion.
Donati is stepping into a thriving athletic department. The women’s basketball team, coached by Dawn Staley, recently secured their third national championship since 2017.
The men’s basketball team, under coach Lamont Paris, made its return to the NCAA Tournament last March for the first time in seven years.
Additionally, the football program, led by coach Shane Beamer, has achieved a strong record of 9-3, concluding the regular season with six consecutive victories, four of which were against ranked teams.
Donati will be faced with the challenge of enhancing the surroundings of Williams-Brice Stadium, which is located in a predominantly industrial area. Many stakeholders are eager for improvements to beautify the locale.
Plans have already been disclosed regarding enhancements for the stadium, including the addition of premium seating and luxury boxes, aimed at aligning with other football venues in the Southeastern Conference.
Donati’s tenure at TCU began in 2011, and he became the athletic director in 2017. Under his leadership, TCU athletics experienced a remarkable 2022-23 season, highlighted by the football team reaching the College Football Playoff title game, the men’s basketball team advancing to the NCAA Tournament, and the baseball team participating in the College World Series.
That year, 10 out of TCU’s 21 sports were ranked in the national top 25.
Prior to his role at TCU, Donati worked as general counsel and director of player representation for Leigh Steinberg Sports and Entertainment and held various college fundraising positions at institutions such as Arizona, Washington State, and Cal Poly.
