Thorr Bjorn, a former football player at the University of Massachusetts, has been appointed as the Senior Deputy Athletic Director, focusing on the football program. His new role will commence on December 1.
The decision was influenced by a conversation between Ryan Bamford, the athletic director at UMass, and Bjorn, who has served as the athletic director at the University of Rhode Island for 18 years. Bamford expressed that the football program needed another voice and trusted advisor to enhance its administration.
Bamford described the call to Bjorn as a “shot in the dark,” but it ultimately led to Bjorn being introduced in a news conference as the new Senior Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Administrative Officer at UMass. Bjorn, who played for UMass from 1987 to 1989, emphasized the importance of the vision shared by Bamford in making his decision to return.
“When Ryan reached out and shared his vision, we”ve been friends for a long time and that”s important,” Bjorn stated during the event, which followed a weekly meeting with reporters held by head coach Joe Harasymiak.
Bjorn is excited about UMass”s move to the Mid-American Conference (MAC), which he believes signifies the importance of football at the school. He noted that this ambitious decision reflects a commitment to enhancing the program”s stature.
Having started his career at UMass as the assistant athletic director for tickets and game operations, Bjorn has a rich history with the institution. He also served as the interim athletic director in the early 2000s before taking the helm at URI.
The vacancy for the Senior Deputy Athletic Director position arose following the departure of Jeff Smith, who took a different role at UMass. Bamford reflected on the necessity of filling this position thoughtfully and decided Bjorn was the right fit.
“I talked to the chancellor and outlined my vision for the role,” Bamford explained. “If you think this is a good move and you think this will help our football program, I”m supportive.” Bamford added that Bjorn”s experience and perspective are crucial to the growth of the football program.
At URI, Bjorn was instrumental in revitalizing a struggling FCS program, leading them to their first Coastal Athletic Association Championship and a spot in the NCAA Division I-FCS tournament. One of his significant contributions was overseeing a $66 million renovation project for athletic facilities, focusing heavily on improvements to Meade Stadium, home of the URI football team.
In his new position at UMass, Bjorn aims to work closely with Harasymiak on administrative and developmental aspects of the football program, ensuring a supportive environment for success. “My job is to work with from the administrative side,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of operational effectiveness.
Bamford underscored the urgency for UMass to achieve success in football, acknowledging the challenges faced over the past decade. He believes Bjorn”s arrival will be a significant step toward reaching that goal. “We all want to win. Our fanbase wants to win. We”re now built to win,” he stated, expressing optimism about the future direction of the program.
