Bryan Blair, WSU deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer, is leaving the Palouse to be the new director of athletics at The University of Toledo, according to ESPN writer Pete Thamel.

Blair leaves behind a great legacy at WSU; he was responsible for landing contracts with football head coach Jake Dickert, men’s basketball head coach Kyle Smith, women’s tennis head coach Raquel Atawo and baseball head coach Brian Green.  

As WSU deputy director of athletics, Blair was tasked with managing day-to-day operations within the department. Blair oversaw WSU’s 17 sports and 450 student-athletes during his four years in Pullman. He also managed WSU’s partnership with Nike. 

Blair brought innovation to WSU athletics, responsible for the creation of WSU Athletic’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, for which he served as the Chief Diversity Officer.

Before coming to WSU, Blair spent four years as a senior associate athletic director at Rice University. At Rice, he oversaw six sports programs and was part of the university’s senior leadership team.  

Blair began his career in collegiate athletics as a volunteer at University of South Carolina. He quickly transitioned to a full-time position, serving as the women’s basketball compliance contact.  

Originally from Bennettsville, S.C., Blair attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. and played on the football team’s defensive line. After finishing his undergraduate studies, Blair earned a law degree from University of South Carolina School of Law. 

At Toledo, Blair will take over for current athletics director Mike O’Brien. O’Brien was the athletics director for 20 years at Toledo and spent his career in various athletic programs across the country.