Georgia hires Florida’s McGarity as next AD

A source inside the University of Florida‘s University Athletic Association has confirmed to OGGOA that Florida Gators executive senior associate director of athletics Greg McGarity has been tabbed as the Georgia Bulldogs’ next athletic director, is on the way to sign a contract and will be officially announced as such Friday.

McGarity, who had essentially been Gators athletic director Jeremy Foley’s right-hand man during his tenure at Florida, was hired in 1992 after graduating from Georgia. He was up for the Bulldogs’ AD job in 2003 and was widely believed to be the school’s top candidate to replace Damon Evans since July.

“I have been very fortunate to work alongside the very best in collegiate athletics at two outstanding institutions, the University of Georgia and the University of Florida, over the last three decades,” McGarity wrote in an application letter to Georgia’s associate vice president for human resources. “I know what it takes to lead and direct an athletic program at the highest level, and am ready to lead the University of Georgia Athletic Association into the future. I look forward to having the opportunity to compete for this position.”

He was such a popular candidate that U.S. Representative Jack Kingston (R-GA) went out of his way to write the school’s president to “enthusiastically recommend” McGarity. “He is ready to get back to his hometown and to serve his alma mater in this distinguished position,” Kingston wrote.

OGGOA wishes to extend our sincere congratulations to Mr. McGarity.