Social media reactions: AD Gene Smith to leave Ohio State 'better than he found it'
Ohio State athletics will soon have a new leader.
Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith announced Wednesday he would be retiring effective June 30, 2024. He is the longest-tenured athletic director in the Big Ten, having joined the Buckeyes in April 2005.
Smith's tenure is the third-longest in the school's eight athletic directors.
Here's how Ohio State fans are reacting to Smith's announcement Wednesday.
Gene Smith leaves 'footprint' at Ohio State
Gene Smith will leave OSU better than he found it in 2005.
His footprint in expanding the B1G, hiring Urban/Day and absolutely crushing the non-revenue sports hires will be his legacy.— Max Kachinske (@KachinskeMax) August 9, 2023
One fan sees Gene Smith's impact across the country
Gene Smith was not just an impressive fundraiser at Ohio State (brought in almost $1 billion during his tenure), but groomed so many future ADs. Too many to even list here (Chun, Jarmond, Sabau, Lyke to name a few).
This is a mammoth job, everyone will want it.— Anthony Lima (@SportsBoyTony) August 9, 2023
Even Michigan fans have seen Gene Smith's impact at Ohio State
As a Michigan fan, let me say: @OSU_AD Gene Smith is truly a legend. The guy shows up EVERYWHERE. Tennis matches, gymnastics, water polo...EVERYWHERE. He is totally committed to @OhioState like almost no one else in college sports. He will be missed.
— Pradheep J. Shanker (@Neoavatara) August 9, 2023
'They have big shoes to fill'
Gene Smith has had a landmark run as Ohio State's athletic director.
They have big shoes to fill, so it's good that they've got almost a full year to find the next-in-command.
Thanks for everything, Gene. https://t.co/4xOcZZCfZR— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) August 9, 2023
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Social media reactions: Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith to retire
