INDIANAPOLIS — Longtime Marian University Director of Athletics Steve Downing announced his plan to retire following the 2026-27 academic year, the University released on Wednesday afternoon.
The revolutionary leader of Marian Athletics helped transform the department into a national brand, as the Knights have captured each of its 10 NAIA National Championships and 40 of its USA Cycling National Championships during his tenure.
"The most important thing to me is knowing I made a difference in young people's lives," Downing said. "You can write about the wins and losses, but for me, it's the people I've helped…. On graduation day, a number of kids come up and hug me. They don't say anything; they just hug me and thank me. That's as good as it gets. That's my reward."
After this academic year, the two-time Crossroads League Athletic Director of the Year will have spent 16 years as Director of Athletics, a period in which MU student-athletes have enjoyed great successes in competition, in the classroom and in the community.
Marian has won 125 team conference championships with over 200 individual national championships during Downing's time at Marian, while nearly 1,500 student-athletes have been named NAIA Scholar-Athletes.
The Knights have earned five top-five finishes in the NAIA LEARFIELD Directors' Cup standings, which rank athletic departments on their overall athletic success across all sports. Marian earned a department-record runner-up finish following the 2022-23 academic year.
"Steve Downing and his wife, Doris, a Marian alumna, have been outstanding leaders in the Marian University community," Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. "Steve has been highly successful in ensuring that Marian University's investment in intercollegiate athletics provides an outstanding 'laboratory of character and leadership development.' Few athletic directors in America, if any, can match the number of conference and national championships won under Steve's years of leadership at Marian."
At Marian, Downing has emphasized academic support alongside athletic performance, including implementing study tables and strengthening assistance for student-athletes considered academically at risk. He has also overseen continued development of the athletics program and the addition of three new varsity sports – wrestling, lacrosse and rugby.
Downing has led the hiring and retention of several standout coaches, as MU coaches under Downing have earned a total of 99 conference coach of the year honors with eight earning national coach of the year recognition. Additionally, two Marian student-athletes went on to compete in the Olympics and two went on to play in the National Football League.
"Steve Downing has been among the best leaders I've had the privilege of working with in my career," Marian University Chief Operating Officer and Chancellor Dr. Kenith Britt said. "From the beginning, Steve's focus has been on the 'student' portion of the student-athlete and running Marian University like an NCAA Division I athletics program. Over the last 15 years, he has continuously delivered in both areas, as evidenced by the excellent coaches he's hired, the number of national championships, enrollment and retention growth, and graduating transformational leaders in service to the world."
Marian Athletics has seen many remarkable facility upgrades during Downing's time, including, but not limited to, the opening of the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital Hall of Champions, Drew Family Health & Fitness Center and the Marian Golf Studio along with renovations at the Physical Education Center, Athletic Training Center, MU Ballpark and the addition of the video board at Ascension St. Vincent Field.
Downing came to Marian in August of 2011 following 10 years of service as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Texas Tech University. He left for the Lone Star state after 22 years in athletics administration at Indiana University, where he starred for the Hoosiers as a student-athlete, earning 1973 Big Ten MVP honors. A first-round pick of the Boston Celtics, Downing won an NBA championship with the franchise in his rookie season.
An Indianapolis native, Downing won a state championship alongside Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer George McGinnis on the undefeated 1969 George Washington basketball team.
After retiring, Downing looks forward to traveling, returning to golf and spending more time with his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Downing will be available for media interviews on Thursday, August 20 at 11 a.m. in Marian's Hall of Champions. Members of the media interested in attending should contact Drew Sandifer, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications, at asandifer@marian.edu.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Katie Gearlds, Head Women's Basketball Coach, Purdue University, two-time NAIA national champion at Marian
- "There is no one who has made a bigger impact on my career than Mr. Downing. He trusted me, gave me my first opportunity and supported our program that helped us do some historic things. While he is an incredible leader, he is an even better person. He and Doris' constant support is something that I will always cherish. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter has in store for him. My love and appreciation for him runs deep, even if he did go to the other school."
Scott Dolson, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Indiana University
- "Steve has built an extraordinary legacy during his 15 years at Marian, boasting an incredible track record of success in competition and in the classroom that transformed their athletic department into a powerhouse. In addition to his tremendous professional successes, Steve has been an invaluable mentor, colleague and friend to me dating back to our days together at IU. His guidance, wisdom and unwavering dedication to supporting student-athletes left an indelible mark on everyone around him, myself included. We are immensely grateful for the enormous impact he has on IU as a student-athlete and administrator, as well as his lifelong contributions to collegiate athletics across our state. I wish him all the best in a well-deserved retirement."
Larry DeSimpelare, Commissioner, Crossroads League
- "It has been a pleasure to work with Steve Downing over the past nine years as he prepares to retire as Director of Athletics at Marian University. Steve has led with integrity, humility and a deep commitment to student-athletes, coaches and colleagues, and I am grateful for his leadership, friendship and service to Marian University and college athletics. Congratulations on your retirement, Steve – your impact is lasting, and I wish you all the best in the next chapter."
