STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Former Nike CEO John Donahoe has been hired as athletic director at Stanford. Donahoe will become the school's eighth athletic director and replace Bernard Muir, who stepped down this year. He will officially begin in the role Sept. 8.

Stanford has hired former Nike CEO John Donahoe as its new athletic director, marking a shift from a more traditional hire to one with extensive business experience rather than just a typical sports administration background.

Stanford University has hired a new athletic director, tapping school alum and former Nike CEO John Donahoe for the high-profile role, the university announced on Thursday, Aug. 1. In his new role, which he will begin on Sept.