University of Georgia

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity to retire at the end of the year

After more than a decade in the role, Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity will retire at the end of year.

Channel 2 Sports Director Zach Klein confirmed the news with sources Monday afternoon. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chip Towers first reported the news.

The school confirmed the news later Monday and said UGA Senior Deputy Athletic Director Josh Brooks will serve as interim athletic director.

“First and foremost, on behalf of the entire Bulldog Nation, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Greg for his outstanding service to the University of Georgia,” said President Jere W. Morehead.  “While I had hoped Greg would continue to serve as our Athletic Director for a few more years, I understand and appreciate his and Sheryl’s decision to begin a new chapter in their lives.  Greg will leave behind a strong legacy of leadership and devotion to his alma mater, having further elevated our athletic program on the national stage.  I have particularly appreciated the extraordinary leadership Greg has provided during the pandemic.  His calm and steady voice will be missed here and in SEC meetings.”

“I want to thank President Morehead for all of his support and guidance over the years,” said McGarity.  “I step down knowing that our Athletic Association is in great hands under his strong leadership.  To our coaches, athletic staff, and student-athletes—you have made the last decade the very best of my career, and I thank you for your dedication to excellence in athletics.  You are the heart and soul of our program, and it has truly been an honor to serve alongside you as athletic director.  Finally, my thanks to our alumni, donors, and fans for your unyielding support of Georgia athletics.  There is no better fan base in college sports than the Bulldog Nation.”

McGarity is an Athens native and was a letterman on the 1973 Bulldogs men’s tennis team. He has been involved with college athletics for more than four decades.

McGarity took over as UGA athletic director in 2010 after he worked in the athletic department at the University of Florida for 18 years.

The 66-year-old oversaw a 21-sports athletic department that’s budget was $89 million when he took over in 2010. This past year, it was more than $153 million. During the last decade, McGarity led more than $200 million in facility improvements.