Anthony Crespino, who since 2025 served as deputy athletic director at Pittsburg State University, has been chosen as the next vice president of intercollegiate athletics. He replaced longtime AD Jim Johnson in the department's top leadership role on Feb. 2, 2026.
Johnson was promoted by President Thomas Newsom to a new role as executive vice president for engagement and executive affairs — a position that will play a key role in launching the university’s new initiative, “Access PITT State.”
Crespino becomes just the 11th athletics director in the 118-year history of Pittsburg State University Athletics after returning to his alma mater as a member of the PSU Athletics administrative team in September 2024. He has served in key roles as Associate Athletic Director for Operations & Special Projects, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Operations & Special Projects and most recently Deputy Athletic Director prior to his appointment as Vice President of Athletics.
Crespino joined the Pitt State Athletics administrative staff after most recently serving as Director of Football Operations for the University of Nebraska.
Prior to joining the staff at Nebraska in February 2024, Crespino served as Associate AD for Football at Texas Christian University for nearly three years (Nov. 2021 – Feb. 2024). He also has served as Chief of Staff Football Operations at Southern Methodist University (Dec. 2019 – Nov. 2021), Associate Director of Football Operations at Northwestern University (June 2016 – Dec. 2018), Director of Football Operations at Texas State University (Jun 2014 – June 2016), Director of Player Development at Penn State University (Feb. 2014 – June 2014), Director of Football Operations at Western Michigan University (Jan. 2013 – Feb. 2014) and Associate Director of Football Operations at Texas State (June 2012 – Jan. 2013).
A native of Girard, Kan., Crespino earned a bachelor’s of business administration degree with an emphasis in finance from Pittsburg State in 2012. He also garnered a master’s of sports leadership degree from Pitt State in 2016. Crespino served as an Assistant Director of Athletic Operations for Pitt State from June 2011 to June 2012 while pursuing his undergraduate degree.
Anthony and his wife, the former Joanna McEvoy, have a daughter, Quinn. Anthony is the son former Girard High School football coach and Pittsburg State alum, Craig Crespino (deceased), and the grandson of former St. Mary’s-Colgan High School football coach, PSU alum and member of the Pitt State Athletics Hall of Fame, Frank Crespino.
