Stanford has hired former Nike CEO John Donahoe as its new athletic director, marking a shift from a more traditional hire to one with extensive business experience rather than just a typical sports administration background.

Stanford's new athletic director has taken quite a unique path to his job. The school announced the hiring of former Nike CEO John Donahoe as its next athletic director Thursday.

Former Nike CEO John Donahoe will take over as the athletic director at Stanford, where he earned his graduate degree.