The change is coming to the Athletics Department in Marshall.
The director of Athletics Christian Spears and the school agreed to mutually renewed their contract, which expires in March 2026.
Marshall, in a statement on Tuesday, said that an immediate search for a replacement for Spears will begin, who was hired in February 2022.
“It has been an honor to serve this incredible university,” Spears said in a statement.
Spears has supervised a generally successful possession in Marshall since he was hired in 2022. Marshall has been eligible in the bowl in the three soccer seasons that he has been there.
Spears employees included Kim Caldwell in women's basketball, who has since entered the University of Tennessee. Marshall also reached the national final of the Men's Men's Soccer College Cup in 2024, a remarkable achievement for a medium larger program. He also supervised the collection of funds and the construction of a new baseball stadium, which opened in March 2024.
“We are grateful for Christian's passionate leadership and substantial contributions to Marshall athletics,” said Marshall president Brad Smith, in a statement. “From championship seasons to key facilities updates, Christian leaves the Athletics Department in a strong position. We wish you continuous success in your next company.”
After Marshall won the Sun Belt this year in football and finished 10-3, coach Charles Huff left for another program at the SBC, Southern Miss. A burst of transfers followed Huff, which led in part to Marshall, opting to play at the Independence Bowl.
The Sun Belt fined Marshall $ 100,000 for the decision, which Spears had said that it was “for all the right reasons.”
Spears filled the football work with the former defensive coordinator of NC State Tony Gibson, who has deep ties in the two periods of West Virginia.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
