TAMPA, Fla. (June 3, 2025) – Michael Kelly, vice president for athletics at the University of South Florida, has accepted the position of athletic director at the United States Naval Academy.
Since joining USF in 2018, Kelly has overseen a period of significant growth and achievement within USF Athletics. Under his leadership, the department expanded to 21 varsity sports with the addition of women’s lacrosse and beach volleyball. The Bulls captured 21 American Athletic Conference team championships, including firsts in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and men’s track and field. USF Athletics programs also achieved two divisional titles, two NCAA championships, eight cheer national championships and one cheer world cup, while more than two dozen student-athletes were named All-Americans. USF Athletics also earned more than 30 NCAA postseason berths during his tenure.
“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity came along at a time that feels right for me and my family,” said Kelly. “This decision isn’t about leaving South Florida—it’s about the chance to serve a place that’s long been meaningful to me. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built together here and incredibly grateful for the relationships, achievements, and momentum that will continue to carry USF forward. I am confident that with this team—and in alignment with the university—even better days lie ahead for the Bulls.”
“Michael Kelly is a servant leader who has always put others and the greater good of our USF community above himself,” said USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford. “Having known MK for well over a decade, I can definitively say that he is a coach of coaches, a man who gives credit and accepts responsibility, and that he will serve the U.S. Naval Academy and our nation with distinction.”
USF student-athletes shined academically, maintaining a 3.0 grade-point average or higher for 21 consecutive semesters under Kelly’s leadership. The department also improved its average Graduation Success Rate to a program record of 88 percent in the most recent report, up one percentage point from the previous high.
“USF Athletics and our student-athletes have excelled under Michael Kelly‘s tenure,” said USF President Rhea Law. “Michael has supported our students, coaches, alumni and fans like a family, and that culture of success is among the highlights of his legacy here as a leader within Bulls Nation. We are grateful for his service and wish him continued success at the U.S. Naval Academy.”
Under Kelly’s leadership, the athletic department nearly doubled its budget to $100 million and secured more than $100 million in philanthropic gifts. He oversaw major facility projects, including plans for the new $348.5 million on-campus stadium and training center set to open in 2027, the $22 million Porter Family Indoor Performance Facility, and a $3 million football locker room renovation.
“MK has forever changed our campus and our community for the better, and I am proud to call him my friend and to have worked with him to move USF Athletics forward,” said USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman, who has co-chaired the stadium project planning committee with Kelly. “Bulls Nation is stronger thanks to his efforts, and we wish him and the Kelly family nothing but the best in Annapolis.”
In 2024, Front Office Sports named USF Athletics to the inaugural “Best College Athletic Departments” list.
Kelly’s leadership was also instrumental in securing high-profile football matchups against national powerhouses such as Alabama and Miami, elevating the university’s national profile. He spearheaded the development of a comprehensive master facilities plan, which included the advancement of the on-campus stadium project and reestablished the USF Athletic Hall of Fame to honor the university’s athletic history.
President Law has asked Stroman to serve as interim vice president for athletics, in addition to continuing as senior vice president for advancement and alumni affairs and USF Foundation CEO. He has more than 20 years of successful institutional advancement experience and a proven track record for building strong relationships with USF’s alumni and community supporters. Stroman has played a key role and worked alongside Kelly in the planning for USF’s on-campus stadium over the past four years, including raising more than $40 million for the project. At all of his institutions, including most recently at the University of Georgia prior to joining USF, Stroman worked closely with athletics on new fundraising initiatives, operational strategy and facility enhancements. He also played college basketball at Mercer University and spent five years there as an assistant men’s basketball coach.
Additional details regarding the search for Kelly’s permanent successor will be announced at a later time.
