Purdue is preparing to hire Tommy McClelland as its next athletic director, according to a person with knowledge of the decision who tells The Associated Press. The individual, who spoke on Tuesday and requested anonymity because Purdue officials have not yet made an announcement, indicates the hiring is expected to proceed with McClelland coming from Rice. McClelland is currently the athletic director at Rice, a role he has held since 2023. Prior to Rice, he served as athletic director at Vanderbilt from 2020 to 2023. His earlier administrative experience includes serving as athletic director at Louisiana Tech from 2013 to 2020. The report also says the move would fill the position left by Mike Bobinski, who announced his retirement on June 3. Until Purdue makes an official statement, details of the timing and terms of the hire are not yet provided in the reporting. The available information centers on McClelland’s current role and his prior athletic department leadership positions, as well as Bobinski’s announced departure.