Michael Kelly, the transformative Vice President for Athletics at the University of South Florida (USF) since 2018, has accepted the position of Athletic Director at the United States Naval Academy. His departure marks the end of a highly successful tenure at USF, characterized by unprecedented growth, athletic achievement, and significant infrastructure development.
Under Kelly’s leadership, USF Athletics witnessed a period of remarkable expansion and excellence. The department grew to 21 varsity sports with the addition of women’s lacrosse and beach volleyball.
USF teams secured an impressive 21 American Athletic Conference team championships, including historic firsts in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and men’s track and field. Beyond conference titles, the Bulls also earned two divisional titles, two NCAA championships, eight cheer national championships, and one cheer world cup. Over two dozen USF student-athletes achieved All-American status, and the athletic programs collectively garnered more than 30 NCAA postseason berths during his time.
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“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.”
USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford praised Kelly’s dedication and leadership. “Michael Kelly is a servant leader who has always put others and the greater good of our USF community above himself,” said 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.”
Beyond the competitive arena, USF student-athletes thrived academically under Kelly’s guidance, maintaining a collective 3.0 GPA or higher for 21 consecutive semesters. The department also achieved a program-record average Graduation Success Rate of 88 percent in the most recent report.
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“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.”
Kelly’s strategic vision also led to significant financial growth and facility enhancements for USF Athletics. The department nearly doubled its budget to $100 million and secured over $100 million in philanthropic gifts. He spearheaded major facility projects, most notably the plans for the new $348.5 million on-campus stadium and training center slated to open in 2027. Other key projects included 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 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.”
Kelly’s impact extended to elevating USF’s national profile. In 2024, Front Office Sports recognized USF Athletics on its inaugural “Best College Athletic Departments” list. He was instrumental in securing high-profile football matchups against national powerhouses such as Alabama and Miami and reestablished the USF Athletic Hall of Fame.
In light of Kelly’s departure, President Law has appointed Jay Stroman to serve as interim vice president for athletics, while he continues in his roles as senior vice president for advancement and alumni affairs and USF Foundation CEO.
Stroman brings more than two decades of successful institutional advancement experience and a proven track record of building strong relationships with USF’s alumni and community supporters. He played a key role alongside Kelly in the planning for USF’s on-campus stadium, including raising over $40 million for the project.
His experience also includes close collaboration with athletics on new fundraising initiatives and operational strategy at previous institutions, including the University of Georgia. Stroman also has a background in collegiate athletics as a former college basketball player at Mercer University and an assistant men’s basketball coach.
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