Syracuse is making bold moves this offseason, and the latest addition signals a major shift in the Orange athletic department's ambitions. According to sources familiar with the move, Syracuse has hired Yulander Wells, a top deputy athletic director from Notre Dame, to serve as its new chief operating officer with direct oversight of football.

Wells brings a wealth of experience from one of college football's most respected programs. Over the past three and a half years at Notre Dame, he oversaw athletics strategy and recently managed men's basketball and business operations. His tenure spanned the transition from longtime athletic director Jack Swarbrick to current AD Pete Bevacqua, a former Irish walk-on punter and NBC executive. Wells was also instrumental in securing Notre Dame's lucrative 10-year renewal of its exclusive apparel deal with Under Armour—a competitive win over both Adidas and Nike.

This hire is the latest in a series of transformative changes in Syracuse athletics. New athletic director Bryan Blair, who officially takes over for the retiring John Wildhack on July 1, is assembling his inaugural leadership team. Wells joins Blair after previous stops at Harvard, South Florida, and a controller role at the University of Florida.

The Orange have already made waves this offseason, hiring former standout player Gerry McNamara as the new men's basketball coach following the firing of Adrian Autry. Now, with Wells stepping into a football oversight role, Syracuse fans have reason to be optimistic about the program's direction. An official announcement, including Wells and other new executives, is expected this week.