“The university is world-class, steeped in tradition and has passionate fan support, and we will never stray from what has made the program great,” Kraft said in a statement. “My goal will be to provide the best experience for our student-athletes and staff, continue to grow our athletic programs, and enhance the best Big Ten atmosphere for our community and fans.

The former Indiana football player has led Boston College’s athletic department for nearly two years. Previously, he was athletic director at Temple for five years after serving two years at the Philadelphia School as an assistant DA.

“In addition to having a bold vision of excellence and an impressive track record, Pat values ​​teamwork and cares above all about the success and development of student-athletes and coaches on and off the field,” said Penn State President-elect Neeli Bendapudi. “With Pat leading our athletics department, the possibilities of what we can accomplish in the future are limitless.”

Barbour, 62, announced in March that she would retire this summer after leading Penn State’s athletics for the past eight years. She also had previous stints as an DA in Tulane and California during a long career in college sports.

Barbour took over as Penn State emerged from the Jerry Sandusky scandal.

Kraft is Boston College’s second consecutive athletic director to hold the position for less than three years, following Martin Jarmond, who left in 2020 for the same position at UCLA.

Kraft takes over a sports program that supports 31 sports and 800 athletes, with football as its centerpiece.

Before announcing his departure, Barbour gave coach James Franklin, after a 7-6 season, a new 10-year contract worth $85 million.

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