ACC Commissioner John Swofford Announces Retirement

Earlier today, the ACC announced that commissioner John Swofford will be retiring from his position at the end of the 2020-21 season. The 71 year old Swofford has been commissioner of the ACC since 1997 and is the longest tenured commissioner in league history. ACC programs have won 92 national titles during his 23 years at the helm of the conference. Prior to taking over the ACC, he spent 17 years as the athletic director at UNC.

During his tenure, the ACC expanded significantly, adding Miami, Virginia Tech, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Notre Dame, Louisville, and of course Boston College. Swofford also oversaw the creation of the ACC Football Championship Game and a partnership with the Orange Bowl. In 2019, he was instrumental in the founding of the ACC Network.

Swofford also hired the ACC’s first full-time women’s basketball administrator and added much to the student-athlete experience by starting the ACC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and founding last year’s inaugural ACC Mental Health and Wellness Summit.

Swofford will continue to act as commissioner until his successor is chosen, and will provide help as needed during the transition.