‘A specific leader is needed’: former Nike CEO returns to Stanford as Director of Nike John Doahno Athletics; Instead of Muir

Former Nike Chief Executive Officer John Doahno has been appointed as the new Athletic Director of Stanford University, who takes over from Bernard Muir, who left the post earlier this year. Eastern students of Stanford Business School, Doahno, will officially play the role on 8 September, who became the eighth athletic director of the university. In a statement quoted by AP, school president John Levin said, “Stanford is a unique place in the National Athletics landscape.” “We needed a specific leader-with vision, decisions and strategic skills for a new era of college athletics, and a deep praise for Stanford’s scholar-Athlete excellence. John is a symbol of these characteristics.” Doahno led Nike as CEO from 2020 to 2024, after the stent of several high-profile companies, including Serviceano and eBay. He also worked as the chairman of the board in Payal from 2015 to 2025, and spent almost two decades in Bain & Company, where he arose to become the firm’s worldwide CEO. “Stanford has heavy strength and heavy capacity in the changing environment, which includes models to achieve both academic and athletic excellence at the highest level,” Doahno said. “I can’t wait to work with Stanford team to create speed for Stanford athletics and to ensure the best possible experience for our students-athletes.” He takes charge of one of the most successful college athletic programs in the United States. Stanford has won at least one NCAA title every year since 1976–77, with a total of 137 NCAA team championship racking. However, under Muir’s tenure, Cardinal struggled in Marki Games such as football and men’s basketball. In response, Stanford brought former NFL and Stanford Star Andrew Luck to serve as general manager of the football program. Cardinals are now looking to fix their feet on gridarone. After Muir’s tenure, the team slipped after three roses reached the bowl under former coach David Shaw. Shaw left the post in 2022 after the back-to-back 3-9 seasons. His successor, Troy Taylor, posted the same record in two consecutive years before he was dismissed in March, after the report that he was investigated twice on allegations of misconduct of employees. Former NFL coach Frank Reich was later appointed an interim coach by Bhagya. Men’s basketball has also fallen, since 2013-14, NCAA has missed the tournament every year, in Muir’s second season. The then head coach Johnny Dokins was rejected in 2016 and was successful by Jerod Hasay, who never led the team for the tournament in his eight -year tenure. Last March, Kyle Smith, who was hired by Muir, directed Cardinal for a record of 21-14, his best in a decade. On behalf of women, a long time head coach and Hall of Famer Tara Vandarwar retired last year. Kate Pay, appointed as his replacement, was overseen of a difficult 16–15 season in which the team failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1987. Muir also played an important role in navigating Stanford’s transition in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), after the collapse of his former home, PAC -12.