Washington hired athletic director Pat Chun away from Apple Cup rival Washington State on Tuesday, reaching across the state to fill its AD job about a week after it surprisingly came open.
Washington was stung last week when athletic director Troy Dannen left after less than six months on the job to take over at Nebraska. Dannen’s introductory news conference in Lincoln, Nebraska, was on Tuesday.
The school quickly targeted Chun, who has been at Washington State since 2018. The Cougars are facing an uncertain future and trying to rebuild the Pac-12 after the departure of Washington and nine other schools led to the conference’s collapse.
“It is truly an honor for my family and I to join the University of Washington family, and I look forward to doing my part to help elevate the athletics program and the University,” Chun said in a statement.
Chun takes over in Seattle as Washington prepares to leave for the Big Ten. Chun, an Ohio native, has extensive experience in the Big Ten, having spent 15 years at Ohio State as executive associate AD.
“Our transition to the Big Ten is a critical step in our journey and great things lie ahead for the Huskies!” he said.
Chun served on the NCAA’s Division I Transformation Committee, was part of the College Football Playoff selection committee and is currently a member of the Division I Council.
“Pat has a track record of success and a wealth of experience — from 15 years in the Big Ten and service on national groups guiding the future of college sports, to securing community support and a commitment to the well-being of student-athletes,” Washington President Ana Mari Cauce said. “He knows our state, is highly respected in national athletics circles and has an eye for talent.”
Before coming to Washington State, Chun was athletic director at Florida Atlantic for…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/washington-hires-athletic-director-pat-223005875.html
Author : NBC Sports
Publish date : 2024-03-26 22:30:05
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
