Jamie Mottram is joining USA Today Sports Media Group as director of content development. Mottram was most recently Yahoo’s director of blogs, social media and SEO. He is also the founder of AOL’s Fanhouse, which is now owned by Sporting News.

“Jamie’s experience and track record in developing engaging, cross-platform content is unrivaled in the sports media industry,” said Dave Morgan, senior vice president, content and editor-in-chief for USA Today Sports Media Group. “He has a unique understanding of the digital universe and the way sports fans consume content, and his insights will be invaluable as we continue to build out all platforms throughout the Sports Media Group.”

Mottram joins USA Today on August 6.

Mary Byrne has been named its Managing Editor, Sports of USA Today. Byrne comes back to the paper — she had worked for USA Today from 2004 to 2006 — from been the Associated Press, where she served as its Deputy Sports Editor.

Byrne will become just the fourth Managing Editor, Sports in USA Today’s history. The appointment also means that USA Today is now the largest sports enterprise in the United States led by a female editor.

USA Today’s Sports Media Group Senior Vice President of Content, Dave Morgan, said Byrne is a perfect fit. ”She is highly respected as both a journalist and leader, and her hands-on approach and incredible work ethic make her the ideal fit for this leadership role,” explained Morgan. “Mary’s experience directing both national and regional coverage fits perfectly with our position as a leading sports destination with unmatched local reach, and I am pleased to bring her back to USA Today Sports.”

Gannett’s USA Today Sports Media Group has acquired Fantasy Sports Ventures (FSV), parent of Big Lead Sports, a popular sports blog. Gannett already had a minority stake in FSV, but with the new deal in place, the company gains complete control over all of FSV’s properties.

The acquisition will boost USA Today Sports Media Group’s web traffic significantly. “The Big Lead sites have done a great job developing unique, independent voices and distinct points of view,” explained Dave Morgan, the USA Today Sports Media Group’s Senior Vice President of Content and Editor-in-Chief. “This acquisition extends our reach and deepens our engagement with core sports audiences, and is a strong complement to our position as a leading national sports property.”

Other sites that are now under the Gannett umbrella as part of the deal include BaseballHQ.com, KFFL.com, TheHuddle.com, Baseball-Reference.com, HoopsWorld.com, HoopsHype.com and more.