Michigan State sought ex-Georgia Tech Athletic Director J Batt to succeed Alan Haller, the school announced Monday.

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, the Spartans found their man rather quickly.

"Michigan St. expected to hire Georgia Tech’s J Batt as AD," Thamel tweeted. "He fit the archetype MSU was seeking — fundraising, ability to modernize athletic department and football/hoops experience."

Those pertinent details were aspects Haller had appeared to lack.

"This is a pivotal time for college athletics, where innovation, effective communications and community engagement are more important than ever," President Guskiewicz said May 1."Our next athletic director will lead one of the nation's more storied athletic programs, home to 23 varsity sports, a passionate fan base, a long legacy of academic and athletic excellence and, most importantly, an ambitious future." 

Batt had been with Georgia Tech since 2022 as he was instrumental in helping the Yellowjackets turn around the football program while also having a significant background in the SEC with Alabama.

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ESPN's Dan Wetzel appears to be impressed with the hire, too.

"Really good hire by Michigan State," Wetzel said.

Batt said in a school-issued statement that he is excited to make a smooth transition.

"Working together, in alignment with university leadership, the full athletics department and an enthusiastic fan base, we can take the positive momentum already happening at MSU and reach new levels of success as we move into the next era of intercollegiate athletics," Batt said. "My family and I look forward to joining the Michigan State and East Lansing communities."

The Spartans are seeking long-term football success in the Jonathan Smith era, while Tom Izzo remains one of college basketball's best coaches.

Izzo had nothing but praise for Batt's leadership and his ability to rebuild programs.

"This is a key moment in the history of Michigan State Athletics," Izzo said. "With J Batt's hiring, President Kevin Guskiewicz has found the right person to lead our department as college athletics continues to evolve. J has displayed tremendous innovation as a leader and has a proven track record of revenue generation. We are excited to welcome J and his family to Michigan State."

Whether the hire works out remains to be seen, but it's clear the Spartans believe in their guy. Batt's salary is expected to "significantly increase his compensation."

Batt's introductory press conference is set for Wednesday, and his first day commences June 16.