University of Memphis Athletics
Jeff Crane Named Tigers' Deputy Athletics Director
Apr 17, 2019 | General
Former South Carolina athletics administrator joins Memphis staff.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis Athletics Director Tom Bowen announced Wednesday that Jeff Crane has been named the school's Deputy Athletics Director.
Crane comes to the UofM after serving as Executive Associate Athletics Director at the University of South Carolina. He began his career at South Carolina in 2006 and held various leadership positions there, including oversight of marketing and directing fundraising efforts for Gamecocks athletics. He was named Executive Associate Athletics Director in January 2017.
"We conducted a national search and had over 160 applicants. We are bringing one of the best young administrators in the business to Memphis," Bowen said. "I'm excited to have Jeff and his family join my staff here at Memphis."
From March 2018 to June 2018, Crane served as University of South Carolina Upstate Interim Athletics Director, leading a department with 55 employees and a $10 million budget and conducting a search for a men's basketball coach and athletics director.
Under Crane's leadership at South Carolina, more than $175 million was raised for student-athlete scholarships and facilities. In addition, the Gamecocks set fundraising records and surpassed 19,000 donors, an all-time high. Crane also led the development and execution of a seat donation plan that resulted in $7 million in new annual revenue for the program.
Crane served as sport administrator for the men's basketball program as well as the equestrian program. He also administers the athletics department's contract with concessions vendor Aramark.
Crane joined the South Carolina Athletics Department staff as the Director of Marketing in July 2006. In that capacity, he was charged with developing and implementing season ticket and group sales, developing marketing and promotional plans for men's and women's athletics, and overseeing all elements of game atmosphere. In addition, he was responsible for a new marketing rights agreement resulting in $50 million in guaranteed revenue for the Gamecocks, a 150 percent increase over the previous contract.
In 2008, Crane moved to development, assuming the Assistant Athletic Director for Development title. In 2012, Crane was elevated again, this time to a Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development and the Gamecock Club.
Before his arrival at South Carolina, Crane directed the marketing efforts for TCU athletics. He served as Assistant Director of Marketing at TCU from April 2001 to July 2004 and as Director of Marketing from July 2004 to July 2006.
He has both an undergraduate degree and MBA from TCU. He and his wife, Allison, have two boys, Ford and Crews, and a daughter, Elle.
