St. John’s University is in search of a new athletic director as Mike Cragg is leaving after six years at the school. Cragg, who previously worked at Duke University, is departing with two years left on his contract, with the decision being described as a mutual agreement between him and St. John’s. His final day at the university will be on June 30, 2024. The school has announced that they will be conducting a nationwide search for a replacement to lead their athletic department.
Ed Kull, the current athletic director at Fordham University and a St. John’s alum, is rumored to be a potential candidate for the athletic director position at St. John’s. Kull has a background in fundraising and a close relationship with booster Mike Repole. Additionally, John Diffley, the deputy athletic director at St. John’s, is also being considered for the role. Cragg, during his tenure at St. John’s, implemented the UNLIMITED program to support student-athletes with resources related to name, image, and likeness. He also represented the university on various NCAA committees.
In a statement released by Cragg, he expressed gratitude for his time at St. John’s and the support of the fans, alumni, staff, and coaches. He highlighted the department’s accomplishments under his leadership and expressed confidence in its future success. Cragg played a pivotal role in guiding St. John’s through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and was instrumental in securing a partnership with Nike for apparel sponsorship. The university praised his contributions to various initiatives and his representation of St. John’s on NCAA and Big East committees.
The departure of Mike Cragg from St. John’s marks the end of his tenure as the athletic director, but he leaves behind a strong foundation for the department to continue its success. The university is now focusing on finding a suitable replacement to fill the role and lead the athletic program to new heights. Both internal and external candidates are being considered for the position, with Ed Kull and John Diffley among the potential candidates. The nationwide search for a new athletic director signifies St. John’s commitment to finding a leader who can build on the accomplishments of the past and drive the program forward.
St. John’s is looking to build on the achievements and initiatives implemented during Cragg’s time as athletic director, including the UNLIMITED program for student-athletes and securing the Nike apparel sponsorship. The university values the contributions made by Cragg in navigating the challenges faced by the athletic department, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Cragg bids farewell to St. John’s, he leaves behind a legacy of progress and success that will serve as a strong foundation for the future athletic director to build upon. The university is optimistic about the future of its athletic department and is committed to identifying a leader who can continue the positive trajectory set by Cragg.
