WEST LAFAYETTE — Welcome to a big day in Purdue Athletics history.
Tommy McClelland will be introduced at 11 a.m. Thursday as the next Purdue athletic directory. McClelland takes over for the retiring Mike Bobinski, whose time will end when 2026 expires. And McClelland will have many opportunities to point his stamp on Boilermaker programs.
The 44-year-old McClelland has a rich background in athletics. He was the youngest NCAA Division-I AD when hired to lead McNeese State in his native Louisiana at age 26. He since reached the Power Four level as deputy athletic director at Vanderbilt, where he was a key fundraiser for facility upgrades and the beginning of Clark Lea‘s hiring as football coach.
Purdue will be his first gig north of the Mason-Dixon line, but stays in tune with universities that emphasize academics. He most recently served as Rice‘s athletic director, making Purdue his third straight stop at a prestigious Association of American Universities.
McClelland’s background brings several items that may explain why Purdue hired him — the fifth Purdue AD since World War II. We hope to learn today more about McClelland’s vision for Purdue Athletics, why he was selected and more. Interim President Mitch Daniels is among those expected to speak at today’s press conference.
IndyStar Purdue insider Nathan Baird and sports editor Aaron Ferguson will have live updates, instant reaction, photos and more.
What does Tommy McClelland bring as Purdue athletic director?
06:31 AM ET, August 6 2026, Aaron Ferguson
Here’s a look back at the career of Tommy McClelland, highlighting his history as a fundraiser, history with college football and more as they may give clues as to what his tenure may bring the Boilermakers.
What Tommy McClelland’s career shows Purdue is getting in next athletic director
Purdue athletic director history
05:46 AM ET, August 6 2026, Aaron Ferguson and Nathan Baird
Longevity has been expected for those leading Purdue Athletics. The 44-year-old Tommy McClelland is the fifth Purdue athletic director since World War II, joining Red Mackey (1942-71), George King Jr. (1971-92), Morgan Burke (1993-2016) and the retiring Mike Bobinski (2016-26).
What time is the Purdue athletic director press conference? Start time of Tommy McClelland press conference
05:15 AM ET, August 6 2026, Aaron Ferguson
The press conference is expected to start at 11 a.m. Thursday.
Where to watch Purdue athletic director Tommy McClelland press conference today, Aug. 6, 2026. How to stream live
04:00 AM ET, August 6 2026, Aaron Ferguson
A livestream of Tommy McClelland’s introductory press conference as Purdue athletic director is available below and on YouTube.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Meet Purdue athletic director Tommy McClelland today: Watch live, stream
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