Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith announced his impending retirement on Wednesday. Smith has held that position since 2005 and will step away at the end of June 2024.

After the announcement, Alabama AD Greg Byrne shared his congratulations with Smith in a social media post.

“Congrats to my friend Gene Smith!” Bryne said in the post. “Always someone I could call on for counsel. Cares deeply about college sports (and) the experience of our student athletes. Has made an incredible impact!”

Before becoming Ohio State’s athletic director, Smith held the same position at Eastern Michigan, Iowa State and Arizona State. He played college football at Notre Dame from 1973 through 1977 as a defensive end.

The Buckeyes won a national title in football during Smith’s tenure, during the first edition of the College Football Playoff after  2014 season. Ohio State beat Alabama in the semifinals that year.

The Crimson Tide earned their revenge after the 2020 season, beating OSU in the national title game. The two teams will meet in the regular season for a home-and-home series in 2027 and 2028, with the first game in Columbus and the Buckeyes making the 2028 return trip.

In his congratulatory message, Byrne noted the upcoming series.

“Let me know if you need a ticket in Tuscaloosa when we play our H&H in 27-28,” Byrne said, accompanying the joke with a winking face emoji.