Newly appointed Boston Globe editor Brian McGrory says he plans to return to Boston University no later than 2027, according to a report (sub. req.) in the Boston Business Journal.
Crystal Yormick of the BU Statehouse Program quotes an email that McGrory sent to current and former students: “The CEO of the Globe reached out recently asking if I’d come back to help them through a sensitive time, and after a great deal of thought and internal debate, I’ve decided to do it.”
McGrory stepped down as Globe editor in 2023 to become chair of BU’s journalism department. On Monday, the Globe announced that he would return to his previous job, replacing Nancy Barnes, who said last Friday that she would be leaving that position, though she will remain an editor-at-large.
During his time at BU, McGrory has also filled in temporarily in several top jobs at The Baltimore Banner, a large digital nonprofit. He continues to serve on the Banner’s board of directors.
McGrory’s email suggests that his return to the Globe was in the works before last Friday, but it’s not clear how much before. William McKeen, who’ll serve as interim chair, said he was told “late last week” that McGrory had asked for a leave of absence.
“We all wish Brian the best, but we want him back,” McKeen was quoted as saying.