STANFORD, Calif. — After an eventful 13-year tenure as Stanford University’s athletic director, Bernard Muir is planning to step down. According to a person familiar with Muir’s decision, who spoke anonymously due to the lack of an official announcement, Muir is set to leave his position before the conclusion of the academic year. This news was initially reported by ESPN.
Muir stepped into his role in July 2012, succeeding Bob Bowlsby. During his leadership, the athletic department celebrated numerous national championships, but recent years have seen challenges in high-profile sports like football and men’s basketball.
An important part of Muir’s legacy includes managing Stanford’s athletic transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) following the dissolution of the Pac-12. Under his direction, Stanford captured 33 national championships, including the 2021 women’s basketball title, alongside over 140 conference titles.
Recently, Muir appointed former star player Andrew Luck as the general manager of the football program to handle its daily operations. The Cardinal football team, which had previously played in three Rose Bowls during Muir’s initial four years working alongside coach David Shaw, is now seeking a revival.
Coach Shaw stepped down in 2022 after consecutive 3-9 seasons. His successor, Troy Taylor, has also registered back-to-back 3-9 seasons, extending the team’s challenges.
On the basketball front, the men’s team has not experienced NCAA Tournament success since Muir’s second year in 2013-14 with former coach Johnny Dawkins. Dawkins was let go in 2016 and Jerod Haase took over the role but did not secure a tournament berth in his eight-year tenure.
Last March, Muir appointed Kyle Smith, and the men’s team has shown signs of improvement, boasting a 17-10 record this season, their best since the 2019-20 season.
Muir also recently handed the women’s basketball reins to Kate Paye following the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer. This season, the women’s team stands at 14-13, and risks missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1987.
