Dan Radakovich Set To Step Down As Miami AD After Transformational Run
Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich is expected to retire soon after leading major program growth and navigating a changing college sports landscape.
- Glenn Catubig
- 3 min read
University of Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich is preparing to bring his long administrative career to a close, marking the end of a significant chapter for the school’s athletic department. The announcement signals an impending leadership change for one of college sports’ most visible programs.
According to reporting from Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, Miami has informed board members that Radakovich is expected to step down in the near future. While the official retirement has not yet been formally finalized, the transition is already in motion.
The university is also working on a plan for Radakovich to remain involved in an advisory capacity following his departure. That arrangement would allow him to continue contributing experience during the transition period.
As Miami prepares for a new era in athletic leadership, attention is already turning toward potential successors who could guide the program through its next phase of growth.
1. Leadership Search Begins As Speculation Emerges
With Radakovich’s exit approaching, Miami has begun the process of identifying its next athletic director. Early speculation has already surfaced regarding potential candidates for the high-profile role. One name generating discussion is Michael Yormark, CEO of Roc Nation Sports International. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Yormark is believed to be among those on the school’s internal shortlist. Yormark’s ties to South Florida and experience in sports management have made him a figure of interest in the search process. His background could align with Miami’s evolving priorities in a rapidly changing collegiate landscape. While no official decision has been made, the search is expected to draw significant attention given Miami’s prominence in college athletics.
2. Deep Roots And Long Collegiate Career
Radakovich’s connection to Miami dates back more than four decades, beginning in 1983 when he first joined the university as a graduate student. He initially worked within the athletic department’s business operations. From 1983 to 1985, he served as the athletic business manager, gaining early administrative experience that would later shape his career in college sports leadership. He eventually moved on to other major programs, including a nine-year tenure as athletic director at Clemson from 2012 to 2021. There, he oversaw major competitive and structural developments within the department. His return to Miami in December 2021 marked a homecoming of sorts, bringing him back to the institution where his career first began.
3. Tenure Defined By Growth And Modernization
During his time as Miami’s athletic director, Radakovich oversaw a period of significant change, particularly as college athletics adapted to the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. His leadership coincided with major shifts in how programs operate and compete. One notable achievement came during the 2021–22 academic year, when Miami became one of only two schools—alongside North Carolina—to see its football team reach a bowl game, its men’s basketball team advance to the Sweet 16, and its baseball team host a regional. Radakovich also made several coaching hires across multiple sports, totaling eight during his tenure. Among them was men’s basketball coach Jim Larrañaga, who signed an extension in 2023 following the program’s first Final Four appearance. That same year also saw Miami’s women’s basketball team reach the Elite Eight for the first time, and football player Cam Ward become the school’s first Heisman Trophy finalist in 22 years.