OU listed the job description and profile for its athletic director hire.
The profile/description for the Oklahoma athletic director job was just posted. A look at what the Sooners are interested in: pic.twitter.com/i2OK6I9njm
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 7, 2025
This follows athletic director Joe Castiglione's announcement on July 7 that he will retire from the position in 2028 and move into an emeritus role. the Castiglione is the longest-tenured athletic director among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision schools, having led OU athletics since 1998.
The new leader will guide OU’s storied athletic programs, overseeing a department budget exceeding $200 million and managing 19 varsity sports while advancing the university’s strategic goals and maintaining competitive excellence.
Candidates should have a proven record of transformative leadership and extensive management experience in complex environments. Required qualifications include a bachelor’s degree, demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams, business acumen in finance and marketing and experience driving measurable outcomes. Preferred candidates will hold a master’s degree, experience with fundraising and alumni relations and possess deep knowledge of NCAA regulations, Southeastern Conference competition and athlete well-being initiatives.
The new AD will report directly to OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. and will be responsible for implementing a strategic vision that balances financial sustainability, competitive success and student-athlete welfare. Living in the Norman/Oklahoma City area is required, and compensation will correspond with experience.
OU established a 12-member search committee to lead the selection process. Led by Randall L. Stephenson, chair of football and special advisor to the president and director of athletics, the group is composed of Hollye Hunt, vice president of executive affairs and chief of staff, Armand Paliotta, vice president and general counsel, David Surratt, vice president for student affairs and dean of students and Bob Stoops, executive director and special advisor to the athletics director. Other members include former OU quarterback Sam Bradford, former women’s basketball coach Sherri Coale, Amy Noah, vice president and chief advancement officer. Steve Gensler, Kasie Crall and Kinzie Hansen serve as faculty, staff and student representation, respectively, and Dorothy Anderson, vice president and chief human resource officer, will serve as the ex officio member.
The search committee is tasked with identifying a visionary leader capable of navigating the rapidly evolving environment of college athletics, encompassing key areas such as name, image and likeness (NIL) policy, media rights, revenue sharing and transfer portal dynamics. According to the position overview, the ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership, build a culture of innovation, oversee holistic student-athlete development and foster strong relationships with alumni, donors, media and other stakeholders.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
