COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State athletic department Ross Bjork will lead — or at least the world in which it will operate — does not yet exist. Bjork will serve as special advisor to outgoing athletic director Gene Smith beginning March 1 before succeeding him four months later. Ohio State ensured a smooth transition into what could be choppy waters ahead. “I would say in the next three to five years, there’s gonna be some major tipping points,” Bjork said. “… We’ll be at the forefront of those discussions.” Interesting timeline, considering Bjork agreed to a five-year contract as Ohio State’s ninth athletic director. Both he and the man who hired him, new president Ted Carter, reiterated during an hour-plus introductory media event Wednesday they expect Bjork to oversee a period of significant reform. Oversee it locally, but lead it across the Big Ten and nationally. “In…
Continue Reading: Size matters to new Ohio State leaders using Buckeyes’ clout to shape college sports reform
