Tom Kleinlein is the new deputy athletics director at Ole Miss.

Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter made the announcement on Friday. Kleinlein will oversee the external affairs and day-to-day football activities for Rebel Athletics.

Kleinlein arrives in Oxford after seven years as Georgia Southern University’s Director of Athletics. A former college football player at Wake Forest, Kleinlein joined the Eagles following two years at Kent State, where he served as the deputy athletics director, and five years at Arizona State, where he served as the associate athletics director for football.

“We are excited to add an administrator with Tom’s credentials to our team,” Carter said. “Having sat in the athletics director seat, Tom brings a valuable perspective and the experience to manage all areas related to our external operation and football program. To attract staff of his caliber speaks to the power of the Ole Miss brand and our desire to provide our department with the best leadership in the industry.”

“I’m excited to join the team at Ole Miss and be part of the vision of Keith Carter, Lane Kiffin and the leadership of the University,” Kleinlein said. “My family is looking forward to being active members of the Oxford community. I’m thankful for my time and for the people at Georgia Southern. It’s a special place and provided so many great memories.”

Kleinlein accepted his assignment at Georgia Southern after serving in executive roles with the Kent State, Arizona State and Rutgers athletics departments. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Wake Forest (1992) and a master’s of education in curriculum and instruction from Arizona State (2008). Kleinlein started his career in athletics administration as an academic counselor at his alma mater.

Originally from Inwood, N.Y., Kleinlein and his wife, Tara, have two sons – Austin and Mason.