Michigan State University officially hires Alan Haller as athletic director

Michigan State University has officially hired Alan Haller as the school’s new athletic director. Earlier this week, the Detroit Free Press reported that Haller was the choice for the role. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the move on Wednesday, and it is a five-year deal for Haller. He becomes MSU’s 20th athletic director.

Haller, who was recommended by Michigan State President Samuel Stanley, takes over for Bill Beekman, who stepped down from the university’s athletic director role in August. Beekman will transition to a newly created role as vice president for strategic initiatives, working directly under Stanley.

“Being a student-athlete at Michigan State was a transformational experience in my life,” Haller said, via press release. “My time as a member of the Spartan football and track and field teams laid the groundwork for everything that’s followed. To this day, with every major decision and event, I rely on the principles that were forged as a student-athlete. It’s my job to make sure our current and future student-athletes experience the same transformation, reaching their highest potential both academically and athletically. The phrase ‘Spartan for Life’ signifies our commitment to our student-athletes does not end when they leave MSU.

“Spartan athletics is filled with amazing student-athletes, talented coaches and dedicated staff. Together, we will work to ensure that MSU Athletics adds value to Michigan State University and the surrounding community. It’s our commitment as a university partner. This is an exciting time in our department’s history, full of limitless possibilities. Only together can we realize those dreams.”

Haller started with the Michigan State athletics department in 2010 as an associate athletic director. He was promoted to deputy athletic director in 2019 after serving as the chief of staff and senior associate athletic director for three years. Haller’s latest role as assistant vice president/deputy athletic director focused on external relations, capital projects, fundraising, athletics facilities and event management, amongst many other responsibilities.

“Alan has been a leader in developing athlete administrators and broadening the depth and breadth of our diverse talent within MSU Athletics,” Stanley said. “His professional accomplishments, integrity and leadership make him the best choice to move our programs forward during a constantly evolving college athletics landscape. And his understanding and perspective as a former student-athlete will benefit Spartan athletes for generations.”

In addition to Haller’s aforementioned previous roles, he also played a key part in the hiring of the past two football coaches — Mark Dantonio in 2006 (serving on the selection team before officially joining the MSU athletics department) and Mel Tucker in 2020.

Haller played cornerback for the Michigan State football team under head coach George Perles from 1988 through 1991, and was a two-time honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. Before joining the athletics department, Haller was a lieutenant for the Michigan State Police Department, and served on the force for 13 years in total.

Kevin Warren, the Big Ten Conference commissioner, also made comments on why Haller is a great fit for the job.

“Alan Haller is intelligent, hardworking, a person of high integrity and a proven leader,” Warren said. “Alan has made a positive impact in East Lansing since he arrived on campus as a student-athlete. Prior to his tenure as a professional football player, a member of law enforcement and as an administrator at MSU, Alan had a transformational experience as a Spartan student-athlete. This experience and his dedication will empower Alan to serve the needs of all Spartan student-athletes. We look forward to working closely with Alan as he leads MSU Athletics.”

According to the MSU athletics department, Haller will be introduced during a celebration at the Breslin Student Events Center on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. The event will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.

For more on Haller’s background, check here.