Former Southern Poly coach Pourchier announced as new Reinhardt athletic director

Sep. 24—Reinhardt announced the hiring of a familiar face as its new athletic director Friday, promoting Jeffrey Pourchier.

Pourchier will succeed Bill Popp, who is transitioning into a new role as vice president for enrollment management and athletics.

"First, I want to thank Coach Popp and President (Mark) Roberts for giving me this incredible opportunity," Pourchier said in a release. "This is a dream come true, and I am excited to get started. Eagle Athletics is filled with amazing student-athletes, talented coaches and dedicated staff."

Pourchier is in his second tenure at Reinhardt. He served as the Eagles' men's basketball coach from 2008-12 before leaving to become the coach at Southern Poly in Marietta.

After Southern Poly was folded into Kennesaw State in 2014 and its athletic department shut down, Pourchier returned to Reinhardt as an assistant and later associate AD under Popp.

Popp will continue to work with the athletic department after recently earning his second NAIA Athletic Director of the Year award.

"I could not be more excited for Jeff Pourchier as he assumes greater responsibility with the athletic department," Popp said in the release. "His commitment to Reinhardt, his love of small college athletics, his passion for the student experience and his limitless energy will guide him as the leader of the Reinhardt Eagles."

During the 2020-21 academic year, Reinhardt had 162 Appalachian Athletic Conference all-academic honorees, 79 all-conference players, 14 national championship appearances, 11 regular-season or conference championships, eight AAC Player of the Year recipients and three conference coach of the year selections.

Football and men's volleyball, which compete in the Mid-South Conference, had 31 all-academic honorees, 20 all-conference players, two player of the year selections and a coach of the year selection.

Reinhardt also combined for 19 NAIA All-Americans, two national championships and an NAIA Coach of the Year honor.

"I am honored to lead our athletic department that means so much to all of us," Pourchier said. "As athletics director, you can expect me to be visible, to be connected and engaged and to be tirelessly committed to the success of our student-athletes."