Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel named Ryan Erlacher as the new Director of Athletics for the Jaguars.
Erlacher will replace AU Interim Athletic Director Melissa Brocato and begin his role on Monday, Oct. 17.
“Recently retired athletics director Clint Bryant left a long legacy of success at Augusta University, so we knew we had some big shoes to fill. We have the utmost confidence in Ryan Erlacher, who brings a tremendous amount of experience from Clayton State University and other institutions,” Keel said in a news release. “I’m excited to welcome Ryan to Jaguar Nation and can’t wait to see him help grow the future of athletics here. I know he will lead our student athletes and coaches to many wins, both athletically and academically.”
Erlacher is currently the AD at Clayton State University, where he has been since 2018.
According to Augusta University Director of Athletic Media Relations Kadija Dickens, Erlacher oversees 11 sports and manages more than 30 staff members currently at Clayton State and brings over 15 years of experience to AU. During his tenure at Clayton State, the athletics department has seen great academic success achieving above a 3.0 grade point average for the past eight semesters.
Erlacher also served as the senior associate director of athletics at Flagler College from 2011-2018. He was the associate director of athletics at Newman University in 2010, assistant AD at Northwood University from 2007-2010 and a athletic assistant at Florida State University from 2006-2007.
Erlacher steps in the space left vacant after longtime coach and AD Clint Bryant retired in June.
“My family and I are beyond excited to be joining Augusta University and the local community,” said Erlacher according to a news release. “I’d like to thank President Keel, Dr. Russell Keen and the entire search committee for their vote of confidence in me to lead Augusta athletics into the future. Clint Bryant was a great leader in our field, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence he started.”
Brocato will continue as the Interim AD for the Jaguars until Erlacher’s arrival. The university still has not announced a new track & field and cross-country head coach or a women’s basketball coach. Celeste Stewart currently serves as the Interim Head Coach for women’s basketball.
