STANFORD, Calif. — After an impactful 13-year tenure, Bernard Muir is stepping down as Stanford’s athletic director. Muir made this announcement on Tuesday and plans to exit his role at the end of the academic year. He expressed immense pride in the achievements, championships, and history cultivated during his leadership. “It has been a true honor to serve here,” he remarked, highlighting the university’s athletic excellence. Muir added, “I look forward to the next challenge on my journey in collegiate sports.”
Muir took over the position in July 2012, succeeding Bob Bowlsby. Throughout his leadership, Stanford’s athletic department added numerous national titles to its repertoire, though it faced difficulties in more prominent sports such as football and men’s basketball recently. He also successfully managed the Cardinal’s transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference following the dissolution of the Pac-12.
During Muir’s time, Stanford secured 33 NCAA titles, notably the 2021 women’s basketball championship, alongside 13 additional national titles and 146 conference championships. Academic achievements paralleled athletic success, as demonstrated by a 98% graduation rate for student-athletes.
Acknowledging his contributions, Stanford’s President, Jon Levin, praised Muir for his dedication to the university’s tradition of excelling both in sports and academics. “Bernard has led us to more championships than any other college athletic program,” Levin stated, commending his role during significant shifts in the landscape of college athletics.
The university plans to appoint an acting athletic director soon and commence a search for a permanent successor. Muir had earlier entrusted the day-to-day operations of the football program to Andrew Luck, a former Stanford star, who was appointed general manager last fall.
The football team, formerly led to three Rose Bowls by coach David Shaw during Muir’s initial years, seeks to regain its former glory. Shaw resigned after consecutive 3-9 seasons in 2022, and Muir’s recent appointment, Troy Taylor, has reported similar records in the subsequent seasons.
In men’s basketball, the team has not seen NCAA Tournament action since Muir’s second season, 2013-14, under coach Johnny Dawkins. Dawkins was replaced in 2016 by Jerod Haase, who did not secure a tournament spot over eight seasons. Last March, Muir appointed Kyle Smith, whose team currently boasts a 17-10 record — their best since the 2019-20 season.
Muir also made a notable change in the women’s basketball program, bringing in Kate Paye as head coach after Tara VanDerveer retired. However, the team is facing challenges this year, currently holding a 14-13 record and potentially missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1987.
