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OU hires former Duke staffer to elevate basketball branding

Regents

New athletic director Roger Denny after the OU Board of Regents meeting on Jan. 30, 2026.

OU athletics has hired Matt Plizga as associate athletic director, basketball branding strategy, it announced Wednesday.

According to OU Athletics Communications, Plizga "leads the holistic external strategy for OU's men's and women's basketball programs." The main focus of the position is to ensure every aspect of OU basketball storytelling, content, recruiting support and fan engagement is aligned to enhance the success of both programs, according to OU athletics.

Plizga has over 25 years of experience in strategic communications, including stints with Duke, Pittsburgh and UNC Charlotte. He was most recently the associate athletics director, strategic communications at UNC Charlotte, starting in Feb. 2026 and ending with his move to Norman. He was with Duke for 14 years, finishing as the associate sports information director, in which he served as the primary men's basketball contact. 

The OU women's basketball support staff and the men's program's support staff have roles involving video content and branding strategy, but Plizga's position is a new addition to OU athletics through its unification of both programs' efforts.

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