Mike Bilbow, Veteran College Sports Video Director, Passes Away at 56 Industry remembers a giving, innovative, and welcoming leader gone too soon By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital Friday, April 11, 2025 - 12:21 pm
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
Mike Bilbow, a longtime veteran of the college sports video community who most recently served as the Assistant Athletic Director, Digital and Production for the University of Georgia Athletics Department passed on Sunday at the age of 56 following a battle with cancer.
Bilbow was an industry pioneer, a storyteller, an innovative creator of fan experiences in the stadium or arena, and a leader across the business. He's been a fixture of the college video community since the 1990s.
While at Georgia, he oversaw video board production, television production, social media and web content for the Bulldogs. His work enhanced the game-day experience at Sanford Stadium and brought student-athlete stories to life across digital platforms.
This was his second stint at UGA. Prior, he was a part of the leadership team that opened the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. As VP of Content and Production there, he was responsible for all exhibits, interactives, Information Technology, and Guest Experience for the award-winning museum. From 2009-14, Bilbow was the Executive Director of New Media for IMG College, leading the team that first began creating content for Georgia's Athletic Department. A 1991 graduate of Oklahoma State University, he got his start in college video at the University of Tulsa.
Bilbow is survived by his wife Molly, sons Jackson and Connor, and his father, Jack.
Mike was an early supporter of the Sports Video Group and when it's collegiate efforts began with the first SVG College Sports Video Summit back in 2009, he was an early supporter that brough immediate credibility to the growing community.
Mike's joy from working in this industry was infectious for anyone who came into contact with him, says Ken Kerschbaumer, co-Executive Director, Sports Video Group. Without his support SVG would not be the organization it is today and all of us at SVG miss his presence, mentorship, and friendship.
Mike lit up a room, says Brandon Costa, Director of Digital at SVG and the Program Director of the SVG College Summit since 2012. Even when he wasn't in the room yet, you could hear his infectious laugh coming from down the hall. He was always there with a thoughtful critique for how we, as an organization, could better serve the greater community. He was a generous sharer of knowledge and best practices with both industry peers as well as with students and those just getting their start in the business. He leaves a tremendous hole behind. Whether it's at the SVG College Summit or many other SVG events he frequented, he will be sorely missed.
Bilbow with his wife Molly at the Peach Bowl on New Year's Eve 2022.
___________
Colleagues from across the sports video production industry shared their memories and love for Mike:
Mike Bilbow was a rare breed and one of a kind, his expertise in the broadcast field was only matched by his ability to make it make sense to those who could not understand the why or how. He transcended who we are at Georgia and and he was a trusted colleague and friend to so many, like so many, I am just plain better because of our time together. - Alan Thomas, Senior Associate Athletic Director Marketing & Revenue Strategy, University of Georgia
Mike was a special friend to me who saw my potential and convinced me to come to Georgia and join his team. He had such a way of seeing talent in people and was a true mentor. - Rick Freeman, Senior Broadcast Engineer, University of Georgia
Bilbow and Freeman on the Georgia campus in 2022.
Losing a friend and mentor is always tough-it's never easy. I'll always reflect on the things I learned during our travels across the country. I'm going to miss our conversations about growth and longevity in an industry that brings so many highs and lows. I'll miss you, my friend. I'll drink a cold Diet Coke and raise it in your honor-remembering your passion, your wisdom, and your unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. Thank you for everything. Your legacy lives on in the lives you touched, including mine. Love you, brother. Terrance Beavers, Assistant Athletic Director, Video & Broadcast at Georgia Tech and a former colleague of Bilbow's at the College Football Hall of Fame
I had the pleasure of knowing Mike since his days at Tulsa. Even though I lost the first deal I tried to do with him there, we developed a fast friendship that strengthened over the years. While I was fortunate to work with Mike later, during his stints at UGA and his time at the College Football Hall of Fame, that friendship always came before business. Mike was always there if I needed to talk, and his advice helped me through some of my own tough times, including when I lost my wife to cancer. Mike and I had a lot of things in common, so our friendship had a level of understanding and empathy that can be hard to find. Over the years, he became like a brother to me. What made Mike amazing is that he had that type of relationship not just with me, but also with countless numbers of other people. His friendship and influence have made me a better boss, father, and friend. I'll forever be thankful to Mike, not for what he did to support my business, but for how he helped make me a better human being. The world has lost an incredible person whose impact on others can never be replaced. - Jeff Volk, EVP - Strategic Accounts, Sports & Live Events, Alpha
Mike Bilbow was one of one. A great professional, and a great mentor to so many, but at the end of the day an even better person. There was no task to
