Georgia Southern announced yesterday the parting with Athletic Director(AD), Jared Banko as he leaves for Auburn and named Chris Davis as new director .

Benko has been with GS Athletics for four and a half years beginning in March of 2020 and has had a successful run with the program since, including impressive fundraising records, new projects and other achievements.

Benko has been appointed the Executive Deputy Director of Athletics at Auburn University.

In a press release from the University Benko said, “The past four and a half years at Georgia Southern University have been an incredible blessing for my family and me,” said Benko. “What makes this institution truly special are its people and the alignment of shared values. I’m grateful to Dr. Marrero for his mentorship and friendship—his leadership will undoubtedly guide Georgia Southern toward even greater achievements. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Eagle Nation for their unwavering support and belief in us throughout our time in Statesboro. None of this would have been possible without you. Georgia Southern’s best days are ahead!”

During his time as athletic director Benko helped GS Athletics with securing over $40.95 million across the last four fiscal years, including $12.99 million in the 2023-2024 “fiscal” year alone—a 185% increase over previous records, according to GS Athletics.

These achievements helped to build new facilities such as the new Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, the Anthony P. Tippins Family Training Facility and the expansion of J.I. Clements Stadium.

Other successes include:

• GS Football securing back to back bowl appearances
• Multiple sports with best national rankings
• High-profile coaches hired that are now coaching at higher levels

Benko also helped to establish GS Athletics under the Name, Image, and Likeness programming and created the new Athlete Brand Management (ABM) department.

Some other programs Benko established include:

• Athletes Preparing for Employment Experiences
• Womens Leaders Program

The chair of the GS Athletic Foundation also spoke on the AD during the press release, “I am so grateful to Jared Benko for hitting the ground running. He and numerous others have been the driving force for over $100 million in athletic building and facility improvements. Jared has made sure that all 17 Men’s and Women’s sports’ needs have been addressed. He leaves Eagle Nation on solid footing, and we owe a great debt of gratitude for his foresight and leadership.”

Benko’s last day will be November 15th.

University President, Kyle Marrero announced in another press release that Chris Davis, the current Athletic departments Chief Operating Officer, will be the new AD.

Davis will report directly to the University president, serve as a member of the President’s Cabinet and oversee 17 NCAA Division I varsity athletics programs, 16 of them Sun Belt Conference.

Davis spoke of his appreciation for being tasked with this position in a press release, “”I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to serve in the role of director of athletics at Georgia Southern,” Davis said. “I want to first thank Dr. Kyle Marrero for entrusting me to lead this department. We’re already doing special things here and I’m excited to be a part of the continued upward trajectory of Georgia Southern University and Athletics under Dr. Marrero’s leadership. I’d also like to thank Jared Benko for allowing me to come work at this great institution four years ago, laying the foundation I needed to be ready if this day came. I understand the passion and culture of Eagle Nation and I also know that we’re in a great place today thanks to Jared and his leadership. I look forward to a smooth transition with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors and fans as we continue to soar to great heights. This is an exciting day for me and my family and I couldn’t have done this without their love and support. Hail Southern!”

Davis will take over Benko’s position starting November 15th.