Ex-Michigan State AD Haller reflects on career, leadership in LinkedIn post
Alan Haller's decades-long career as an athlete and administrator at Michigan State came to an end when President Kevin Guskiewicz fired him May 1, but the former Spartans athletic director is thankful for the lessons he learned since stepping foot on campus as a dual-sport athlete in 1988.
In a lengthy LinkedIn post Tuesday, Haller reflected on his time in East Lansing, paying tribute to the advice of two Michigan State coaches that shaped his career.
"For over three decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various leadership roles," Haller wrote. "But I’ve never defined my success by the titles I’ve held — it’s always been about the people, the moments — big or small — and making an impact. As I reflect on my journey — from student-athlete to Vice President — I’m reminded that who we become is often shaped by the voices that speak into us early on. Two coaches, in particular, left lasting imprints on my life. Their words became the pillars of my leadership."
Haller, 54, graduated from J.W. Sexton High School in East Lansing, joining George Perles' Michigan State football team in 1988 and running track for Spartans coach Jim Bibbs. A defensive back, Haller went on to a brief NFL career as a special teams player before returning to East Lansing and serving 13 years with Michigan State's Department of Police and Public Safety."Coach Jim Bibbs, my college track coach, taught me Focus," Haller wrote. "He used to say, 'When everything around you is moving fast — focus on what you have to do and pay attention to the details.' That message grounded me — on the track, in moments of pressure, and throughout my career.
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"Coach George Perles, my college football coach, taught me accountability and responsibility," Haller continued. "He had a rule: no playing basketball during or near the start of football season. I broke that rule, just before the start of my sophomore season, I played a pickup game of basketball, and injured my ankle. While the trainers examined me, Coach Perles burst into the room and said, 'You’re selfish. You let your team down. When people are counting on you, you have to make decisions differently!' Those words were tough to hear — but they’ve stayed with me. They shaped how I think, how I lead, and how I live."
Tabbed as part of the selection committee that named Mark Dantonio head coach in 2006, Haller stepped into an associate athletic director role in with the athletic department in 2010. By 2015, he earned a promotion to senior associate athletic director and became chief of staff in 2017. In 2021, Haller succeeded Bill Beekman as athletic director as his predecessor stepped into a role in the MSU president’s office.
"Leadership isn’t about perfection," Haller wrote. "It’s about being accountable, being vulnerable, being present, and admitting mistakes. It’s about making people-centered decisions. It’s about saying 'yes' when 'no' would be easier — and trusting God to go where He leads, even when the road is uncertain. "
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Michigan State president Kevin Guskiewicz fired Haller May 1, saying in a statement announcing the firing that Michigan State's next athletic director will be someone who "can best navigate the changing landscape of college athletics," alluding to this being a weakness of Haller's tenure. The Spartans' next AD will contend with a college sports landscape where name, image and likeness deals that have become the war chest schools use to recruit players, as well as the ongoing House v. NCAA settlement that could put into effect roster limits and the distribution of $20.5 million in revenue sharing.
In a statement through Ann Arbor law firm Blanchard & Walker PLLC made the day after his firing, Haller said that decisions he made as Michigan State athletic director "have not aligned with individuals in positions of significant influence." His post Tuesday made it clear he wanted to stay with Michigan State.
"We don’t always get to choose how a chapter ends," Haller concluded his post. "But if you can look back and say, I would walk that same path again — every lesson, every challenge, every step — then you know it was worth it. Focus. Accountability. Responsibility. These aren’t just lessons I learned. They are the pillars I carry forward into whatever comes next. One chapter closes — but my journey continues."
Michigan State continues its search for Haller's successor, a process directed by Guskiewicz with aid from search firm TurnkeZRG and an advisory committee. Deputy athletic director Jennifer Smith and men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo will serve as co-interim athletic directors until the university hires a new athletic director.
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@ConnorEaregood
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Ex-Michigan State AD Haller reflects on career, leadership in LinkedIn post