WESTWOOD—UCLA Chancellor Gene Block announced on Tuesday, May 19 that Martin Jarmond will come to school from Boston College and become the ninth athletic director. Jarmond will take on duties on or before July 1 and replace Dan Guerrero, who led the department for 18 years and is scheduled to retire from his position of athletic director in June 2020.
According to UCLA, he agreed to a six-year contract with guaranteed compensation of $1,030,000 and a one-time signing bonus of $339,900 for the first year, and compensation averaging $1.4 million annually over the term, plus incentives.
“Martin is a principled, proven leader with a deep commitment to values that align with UCLA’s mission,” said Block in a statement. “From Rafer Johnson to John Wooden, this program has always inspired our student-athletes and supporters alike to persevere and excel. I am confident Martin will help UCLA carry on that storied tradition, with his exceptional leadership, high integrity, and excitement for our future. Even in challenging times like these, there is so much to look forward to and so much potential still to be unlocked for our program and within our student-athletes. Please join me in congratulating Martin and welcoming him to the team.”
Jarmond worked at Michigan State University since 2003 and served as assistant athletic director for more than three years. He later worked at Ohio State University from 2009 to 2016 before being hired by Boston College. In 2017, he assumed the position of athletic director at the age of 37 and become the first African-American athletic director in the school’s history.
“Jarmond’s leadership has helped change the climate and culture in and around Boston College Athletics as his positive energy and passion has helped drive the Eagles’ momentum on and off the field,” said Boston College in a statement.
“Student-athlete welfare is one of Jarmond’s priorities as Director of Athletics,” said Boston College. Jarmond developed the student-athlete fueling station and gave athletes 24-7 access to it. He has also established a program for first-generation student-athletes. For those who are the first in the family to attend college, Jarmond provides them financial support for their better development.