UF's Mike Hill Hired as Athletic Director at UNC Charlotte

Mike Hill, right, talks with Gators men's basketball coach Mike White. Hill is leaving UF to become athletic director at UNC Charlotte. (Photo: Tim Casey/UAA Communications)

UF's Mike Hill Hired as Athletic Director at UNC Charlotte

Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | General, Scott Carter

A longtime administrator in charge of men's basketball, Hill set to take over 49ers' athletic department March 15.

By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Mike Hill is departing the University Athletic Association after 25 years to fulfill a career goal.

Florida's executive associate athletics director for external affairs, Hill is ready to lead an entire athletic department. Hill has been named athletic director at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Charlotte announced Hill's hiring on Wednesday afternoon.

"It's a perfect fit professionally and personally,'' Hill said. "In the end for me, it was an incredible professional experience and a wonderful opportunity personally to go back to an area that's home. The program has a really strong foundation and a history of success. There's a lot to build upon and cultivate and grow. The athletic facilities are outstanding, really terrific for any level you might consider in any conference."

Hill, the Gators' lead administrator for men's basketball and men's tennis, is scheduled to take over the 49ers on March 15. A native of Clemson, S.C., Hill's parents are from Charlotte and growing up he spent a lot of time in the city where many family members still call home.

Hill will oversee an athletic department that added a football program that started play in 2013. The 49ers, members of Conference USA, moved to the FBS level in 2015 and are led by head coach Brad Lambert, who climbed the coaching ladder as a longtime assistant at Wake Forest and Georgia.

Charlotte's athletic department is best known for its men's basketball program, which has made 11 trips to the NCAA Tournament, including a run to the Final Four in 1977 behind future Boston Celtics standout Cedric Maxwell. Former NBA star Mark Price was the head coach until being fired in December and replaced by interim coach Houston Fancher.

WELCOME TO NINER NATION!https://t.co/OnJhHq1ZSs pic.twitter.com/ZEtWt7QaYA
— Charlotte 49ers (@Charlotte49ers) February 28, 2018

Hill played a significant role in the evolution of UF's athletic department during his three decades in Gainesville. He arrived at Florida in 1993 after a year at Ball State, starting his UAA career as marketing coordinator.

Hill negotiated the $8.5 million naming-rights agreement for Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, the first of its kind at UF. Hill also negotiated a multi-million dollar, multi-media rights deal with Fox Sports/IMG and was involved in numerous coaching searches over the years, including those for Urban Meyer, Billy Donovan, Tim Walton, Mike White and Dan Mullen.

"It's been 24 and a half years of just absolutely incredible experiences in multiple sports,'' he said. "It's hard for me to believe that Saturday is the last home game for me in basketball, but it is. We accomplished a lot. To be a part of that has been amazing."

Hill said when he reflects on his time at UF, so many special memories come to mind. On his bio page on FloridaGators.com, Hill shared one of those memories that he'll take with him to Charlotte.

"There have been so many incredible memories, but it's hard to top standing on the court in Indianapolis as the confetti fell on our first-ever national championship men's basketball team, with One Shining Moment on the video boards," Hill said. "The complete joy on everyone's faces – I'll never forget it. No one outside of the Gator family thought the University of Florida could win a national title in basketball. So we won two."

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

Scott Stricklin, Florida Athletic Director
"Mike is an experienced and talented competitor who consistently exhibits vision, compassion and integrity. For years, the Gators have benefited from his skills, and while we will miss having him in Gainesville, I am so happy to see Mike get this long-overdue opportunity to lead an athletic department. He is going to do an outstanding job for Charlotte."

Jeremy Foley, Florida Athletic Director (1992-2016)
"I am incredibly happy for him. Mike has been a key member of our team at Florida since 1993 and over the years, we worked side by side on everything from developing a vision for the athletic department, to hiring coaches, to making daily decisions within the organization. He has been a huge part of our success and we shared many special memories. He has worked hard for this opportunity and he is one of the brightest people I have been around in this business. He is more than ready for this next step and will do an outstanding job for Charlotte, its athletic department and the university.

Mike White, Florida Basketball Coach (2015-Present)
"It's bittersweet for me because I'm incredibly happy for Mike, but of course I've really enjoyed the time I've had working with him, and I know he accomplished a lot for the Gators over the years. Mike is the ultimate professional. He is incredibly intelligent, a master communicator and a relentless worker. We'll obviously miss him here, but look forward to following all his future success at Charlotte."

Billy Donovan, Florida Basketball Coach (1996-2015), Oklahoma City Thunder (2015-Present)

"I worked with Mike for 19 years and built a close personal relationship with him. He worked very closely with our basketball program and he was extremely smart, bright and an incredible person. Charlotte has just added a special person to their athletics programs and to their university. I know Mike is very excited and all the people at Florida will miss him and his many contributions."

Steve Spurrier, Florida Football Coach (1990-2001)

"Us Gators congratulate Mike Hill on becoming the athletic director at Charlotte. He is certainly well deserving and has earned the job. We believe he will do a super job for the 49ers. The athletic department will continue to improve and he will lead the programs in a first-class manner."

Danny Wuerffel, 1996 Heisman Trophy Winner

"Mike Hill has been an instrumental part of the Gator Nation -- and our successes -- for decades. I'm so grateful for all his efforts at UF, and also for his friendship. While we will miss him, I'm happy to see him get this new opportunity. Charlotte is lucky to have him."

Greg Sankey, Southeastern Conference Commissioner

"Mike is a valued leader who has contributed greatly to the overall success of Florida's athletics program. His experience and enthusiasm will be an asset for the Charlotte athletics program and I know his support of student-athletes will provide a renewed vision for the future of the 49ers. Congratulations to Charlotte on making a great hire!"

--Steve McClain, senior associate athletic director of communications (football, baseball administration), contributed to this report.