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Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo and deputy athletic director Jennifer Smith were named as co-interim athletic directors while the university searches for a permanent replacement for Alan Haller.

No reason was provided for Haller’s departure by Michigan State officials who announced the change.

“This is a pivotal time for college athletics, where innovation, effective communications and community engagement are more important than ever,” Michigan State University president Kevin M. Guskiewicz said in a statement. “Our next athletic director will lead one of the nation’s more storied athletic programs, home to 23 varsity sports, a passionate fan base, a long legacy of academic and athletic excellence and, most importantly, an ambitious future.”

Izzo, 70, is the Big Ten’s all-time leader in wins and ranks seventh in wins among active coaches (737) since he was hired as Michigan State head coach in 1995. He was an assistant coach under Jud Heathcoate from 1983-95.

Haller attended Michigan State, played football and ran track for the Spartans. He will remain in the role until May 11. He was promoted from deputy athletic director in 2021 and has been in the department since 2010.

“I’m grateful for Alan’s leadership since I joined the university and appreciate the success our programs have seen under his leadership,” Guskiewicz said in a statement. “He is deeply committed to this university and has led with honesty and integrity.”

Smith has been with the university for 23 years and spent 20 years as director of compliance.

–Field Level Media