Thorr Bjorn, a former football player for the University of Massachusetts, has been appointed as the Senior Deputy Athletic Director at his alma mater. He will officially begin his new role on December 1, overseeing the football program.
The transition back to UMass follows a conversation between UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford and Bjorn, who has served as the athletic director at the University of Rhode Island for 18 years. Bamford reached out to Bjorn during a recent trip to Boston, discussing the need for additional administrative support within the football program.
Bamford noted that the idea of bringing Bjorn on board was somewhat unexpected but ultimately successful. “It was a shot in the dark that hit the mark,” he stated as he announced Bjorn”s hiring. Bjorn, a three-time letter winner at UMass from 1987 to 1989, expressed enthusiasm for returning to a place that means so much to him.
During a press conference held after UMass head coach Joe Harasymiak“s meeting with reporters, Bjorn acknowledged the importance of UMass moving to the Mid-American Conference (MAC), describing it as a significant statement about the program”s commitment to football. “When I got that phone call from him, I remember thinking that”s a bold move. I think it”s great,” Bjorn said.
Bjorn”s journey in athletics began at UMass, where he initially worked as the assistant athletic director for tickets and game operations. His experience includes serving as the interim athletic director after the departure of Ian McCaw in 2003. His role at URI saw him lead the revitalization of a struggling FCS program that achieved notable success, including winning its first Coastal Athletic Association Championship.
One of Bjorn”s significant accomplishments at URI was overseeing a $66 million renovation project for athletic facilities, with $42 million specifically allocated for improvements to the football stadium. In his new role at UMass, he plans to collaborate closely with Harasymiak on administrative matters, including budget management and scheduling.
Bamford emphasized the critical need for success in the UMass football program, acknowledging the struggles the department has faced over the past decade. “We all want to win. Everybody wants to win. Our fanbase wants to win,” he remarked. With Bjorn”s return, Bamford is optimistic about the future of UMass football.
