Clemson AD Radakovich headed to Miami

Miami named Clemson's Dan Radakovich its new athletic director, the school announced Thursday.

"I am so grateful to president (Julio) Frenk and the university's board of trustees for this incredible opportunity," Radakovich said in a statement. "Their commitment to Miami athletics’ comprehensive pursuit of excellence and championships is what brought me back to Miami."

Radakovich spent the last nine years at Clemson, overseeing the athletic department and investing dozens of millions of dollars in facilities. The Tigers won two football national championships during his tenure.

"This is a significant moment for the future of athletics at the University of Miami," said Frenk. "Dan is one of the most highly regarded athletics directors in the country. He knows Miami well, from his time at the U and at Clemson, an ACC peer."

The Aliquippa, Pennsylvania native earned an MBA from Miami in 1982.

Miami pursued Radakovich and football coach Mario Cristobal of Oregon simultaneously, hoping to pair the two in Coral Gables. The Hurricanes landed Cristobal on Monday, luring him back to his alma mater after a four-year stint in the Pac-12.

Radakovich never hired a head coach for football or men's basketball at Clemson, as both Dabo Swinney and Brad Brownell were in place when he took over in 2012. He hired Audra Smith to run the women's basketball program in 2013 and replaced her with Amanda Butler in 2018 after a disappointing five seasons.

The Hurricanes will reportedly double the salary Radakovich had at Clemson, making him one of the highest-paid athletic directors in the NCAA.

Meanwhile, Clemson announced Thursday that Graham Neff will be its acting director of athletics.