Sources have revealed to ESPN that Texas Christian University is expected to hire Mike Buddie, the current athletic director at Army, as their new AD in the coming days. The move comes on the heels of a historic football season for Army, with Buddie receiving credit for leading the Black Knights to new heights.
Buddie Brings Fundraising Experience and Baseball Background
The 54-year-old Buddie has served as Army’s athletic director since 2019. In his time at West Point, he oversaw Army’s transition from independent status in football to joining the American Athletic Conference, a move that allowed the Black Knights to maintain their annual Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy rivalry games while gaining the benefits of conference affiliation.
Prior to his tenure at Army, Buddie worked as the AD at Furman University. He also spent nearly a decade working in the Wake Forest athletic department, his alma mater. Buddie’s background includes experience as a Major League Baseball pitcher, winning a World Series with the New York Yankees in 1998.
Proven Track Record in Fundraising
One of Buddie’s strengths is his fundraising acumen. At Army, he spearheaded multiple successful fundraising campaigns to support the athletic department. This experience could prove valuable at TCU, as investing in facilities and resources will be key to keeping pace in the revamped Big 12 Conference.
Buddie’s ability to rally support and secure funds for Army athletics was impressive. He has the relationships and the drive to do the same at TCU.
— College sports fundraising expert
Stepping into a Strong Situation
At TCU, Buddie will inherit an athletic department in a good position for continued success. The Horned Frogs football team is coming off a 9-4 season in 2024 under head coach Sonny Dykes, just two years after playing for a national championship. The men’s basketball program has also been a consistent winner under coach Jamie Dixon.
- Football: 9-4 record in 2024, national title game appearance in 2022
- Men’s basketball: 6 NCAA Tournament bids in Dixon’s 8 seasons
Replacing Jeremiah Donati
Buddie will be taking over for former TCU athletic director Jeremiah Donati, who left the school in December 2024 to accept the same position at the University of South Carolina. Donati had been at TCU since 2005, working his way up from director of compliance to athletic director in 2018.
With the Big 12 set to undergo a makeover with the departures of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC, new leadership and fresh ideas will be beneficial as TCU navigates the changing landscape of college athletics. Buddie’s experience at Army and Wake Forest should have him well prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead at a top Big 12 program like TCU.
