LOGAN, Utah — The Diana Sabau era in Cache Valley is coming to an end after nearly two very transformative years. Sabau, who was hired as Utah State University’s vice president and director of athletics in August 2023, is heading east to take what is essentially the No. 2 position in the University of Maryland’s athletic department under newly hired athletic director James E. Smith.
Smith, who was announced as Maryland’s new AD in May following the departure of Damon Evans to Southern Methodist University, officially begins his tenure on July 15 after wrapping up his role overseeing Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game.
Although Smith’s background in college athletics is limited — his only higher education experience came as president and CEO of the Ohio State University Alumni Association — he reportedly leaned heavily on guidance from Gene Smith, the long-time Ohio State athletic director, during his transition. Sources familiar with the search process say Sabau was an early target for the role. She worked under Gene Smith at Ohio State for several years, including as his “right hand” for the department.
Sabau was also linked to the athletic director vacancy at Rutgers before accepting the role at Maryland.
While her time in Logan was short, Sabau was extremely impactful for Utah State. She inherited a department in flux and quickly set about reshaping its future — from personnel moves to conference realignment.
Under her leadership, Utah State secured a spot in the rebuilt Pac-12 Conference, a major step for the Aggies’ profile and stability. Sabau also drove nearly $30 million in new fundraising revenue for the university’s “Reach and Rise” campaign.
Her coaching hires were equally notable. She brought in Jarrod Calhoun from Youngstown State to lead the men’s basketball program — a move that surprised many at the time but paid immediate dividends, as the Aggies enjoyed one of their best seasons ever and earned an NCAA tournament berth. Sabau also hired former BYU and Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall to lead Utah State football, signaling her ambitious vision for the program. She also successfully navigated the Aggies through Title IX and other off-campus distractions.
Sabau was originally hired by then-president Elizabeth Cantwell, who herself left after about 18 months to take the presidency at Washington State University.
Buyout and Contract Language
Sabau’s departure won’t come without a hefty price tag. Her contract at Utah State includes a significant buyout clause:
If you terminate your employment for convenience, you will be responsible to pay USU liquidated damages in the following amounts: $1,000,000 if you terminate before June 30, 2024; $750,000
if you terminate before June 30, 2025; $500,000 if you terminate before June 30, 2026;
$250,000 if you terminate before June 30, 2027; and $150,000 if you terminate before June 30, 2028. Liquidated damage payments owed by you will be due in full within thirty (30) days of the effective date of your termination.
The timing of her Maryland move suggests she — or Maryland — is prepared to satisfy that obligation.
Sabau was in the midst of a five-year contract that would have seen her base salary at $619,000. The contract was to run through June of 2028.
What’s Next
Sabau’s move to Maryland positions her back on a national stage within the Big Ten and reunites her with Ohio State ties that have shaped much of her career.
For Utah State, it’s another high-profile leadership search just as the Aggies aim to build on the momentum Sabau helped generate during her brief but impactful tenure. Since 2020, Utah State, including interims has had three presidents and three athletic directors.
