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Boston College’s Athletic Director Brad Bates will be stepping down in June, according to a release sent by the Athletic Department. Bates already has another job lined up, as he will be joining Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA) of Chapel Hill, N.C., one of the "nation’s leaders in executive search and consulting for intercollegiate athletics." after the end of this upcoming athletic season.
Bates who came to BC in 2012, fired two coaches Frank Spaziani and Steve Donahue, hired their replacements Steve Addazio and Jim Christian, and helped coordinate a bunch of bigger athletic moves including setting up the Georgia Tech football game in Ireland and the start of the Indoor Practice Facility and a new baseball stadium which is scheduled to be breaking ground soon (hopefully).
On his way out Bates will probably be a polarizing figure amongst Boston College fans. On the one hand his hire of Addazio did get BC to three bowls in four years, but on the other they haven’t been competitive in the ACC, and recruiting still is near the bottom. Basketball had the worst season on record last year, but there is excitement with Ky Bowman and Jerome Robinson this season. Also baseball had a historic run last year, as they made the tournament and made a deep run.
Bates on his time with Boston College:
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Boston College and am especially grateful for the opportunity to serve the University," said Bates. "I will forever be an Eagle and a fan of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, and will cherish the great relationships that I have made here. The Jesuit, Catholic education offered at BC is distinctive in higher education and epitomizes the very best of college athletics. I feel privileged to be a part of this community."
Boston College will be using an executive search firm again to find his replacement. No dates on when the process will begin.