Georgia Tech Announces Alabama's J Batt As Next Athletic Director

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Georgia Tech on Friday announced it has hired the University of Alabama's J Batt as its new director of athletics.

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Georgia Tech Athletics said Batt's first day on the job will be Oct. 24, after he officially departs the role of executive deputy director of athletics, chief operating officer, and chief revenue officer at the University of Alabama.

“We’re excited to welcome J to Georgia Tech," Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said."His leadership experience at one of the most competitive programs in the nation and his extraordinary track record in fundraising and revenue generation will bring great value to Georgia Tech.

"As a former ACC student-athlete, J has a keen appreciation for what it takes for students to compete at the highest level while pursuing a degree at a top academic institution," Cabrera added. "He values and shares our culture of excellence and integrity and our commitment to student well-being and success. I look forward to working with him to secure and invest the resources necessary for a successful athletics program.”

Batt was a member of the North Carolina Tar Heels’ 2001 NCAA champion men’s soccer team and graduated from UNC with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications. He also holds a master’s degree in sports administration.

Batt first joined the University of Alabama Athletics team as senior associate athletic director in 2017, before being promoted to COO and senior deputy athletic director in 2021 and to executive deputy director, COO, and chief revenue officer in 2022.

During his time at the Capstone, Batt was praised for overseeing the development, implementation, and launch of the Crimson Standard — a 10-year, $600 million capital initiative.

“My family and I truly appreciate President Cabrera and his team for this opportunity, and we are incredibly excited to join the Georgia Tech family,” Batt said in a statement on Friday. “I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, supporters, and fans to reach new heights, on and off the field, and to build on the rich tradition and history of this storied athletics department. We can’t wait to become a part of the Atlanta community."

Alabama head football coach Nick Saban had high praise for Batt as part of Georgia Tech's big announcement, referring to him as an essential part of the administrative team.

"We set a vision for the future of Alabama Athletics and Alabama football through the Crimson Standard and J as well as his team delivered with impressive results," Saban said.

UA Athletic Director Greg Byrne also spoke to Batt's leadership abilities and the vision he has provided for the athletic department during his time in Tuscaloosa.

“He has done a masterful job with the operations of the department," Bryne said. "J has been involved in all of our major decisions and has provided constructive insight and feedback to make us better. His experience working directly with our student-athletes, our coaches and Athletics staff, university leadership, and fan base has prepared him well for this moment. We are thrilled for J, his wife, Leah, and boys, Fitz and Graham. Georgia Tech made a home-run hire with J.”

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