From Buyouts to Backlash: How Ross Bjork Keeps Failing Up

At Texas A&M University, where Bjork served as Athletic Director from 2019 to 2024, one decision stands out. In 2021, he extended head coach Jimbo Fisher’s contract to 10 years and $95 million, fully guaranteed through 2031—with no offset clauses. Bjork didn’t originally hire Fisher, but he took full ownership of that extension.

Two years later, Fisher was fired after back-to-back disappointing seasons. The result? A record $77 million buyout, which continues to drain A&M’s athletics budget. The payout has been widely criticized as one of the worst financial decisions in NCAA history.

The failed search that followed made things worse. A public flirtation with Kentucky’s Mark Stoops fell through, and Bjork scrambled to hire Mike Elko. The episode exposed serious flaws in succession planning and institutional process.

NCAA Violations and Gender Discrimination at Ole Miss

Before his time at A&M, Bjork led the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) from 2012 to 2019. His tenure there was defined by NCAA infractions, including a charge of lack of institutional control. The penalties were severe:

• Two-year postseason ban

• Vacated wins

• Lost scholarships

• Damaged national reputation

But the controversy didn’t stop with the violations.

In 2012, Bjork abruptly fired women’s basketball coach Adrian Wiggins and two assistants over alleged NCAA rule-breaking. No findings were ever made public to justify the terminations. The lack of due process—combined with the fact that no male coaches were disciplined for similar compliance issues—sparked outrage and allegations of institutional misogyny.

Wiggins filed a grievance. Ole Miss reportedly settled quietly for a six-figure sum. Meanwhile, high-profile male coaches like Hugh Freeze remained in place—until personal misconduct finally forced his resignation.

The contrast highlighted a recurring theme: unequal accountability and culture rot under Bjork’s leadership.

Controversial Priorities at Ohio State

Now at Ohio State, Bjork has taken over a department already in financial trouble. Instead of focusing on debt reduction or fiscal stabilization, he’s pushing high-cost stadium upgrades like the 1922 Club and field-level suites. These luxury developments are designed for donors and VIPs, but they come at a steep cost:

• Student seating removed

• The Ohio State Marching Band forced to relocate

• Fan and alumni backlash

• A perceived disregard for tradition and accessibility

Critics argue that Bjork is repeating the same pattern—privatizing access, misallocating funds, and alienating core stakeholders.

The Pattern is the Point

Across Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and now Ohio State, Bjork has consistently left behind financial instability, damaged programs, and fractured institutional culture. This is not circumstantial. This is a pattern.

With rising tuition, shrinking budgets, and growing fan disillusionment, Ohio State cannot afford another high-profile administrative failure. Stakeholders deserve leadership grounded in fiscal responsibility, institutional integrity, and respect for community values.

Ross Bjork has shown none of these qualities. His career reflects a steady trail of mismanagement, public fallout, and poor judgment which leaves him unqualified to run a

7-11 much less a collegiate championship athletic department.