University of Wisconsin Forms Committee to Search for New Athletic Director
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has established a nine-person search committee to replace outgoing Athletic Director Chris McIntosh, who departed for the Big Ten Conference. Chaired by Lauren Bishop, the group includes prominent alumni like NFL GM Chris Ballard and NBA executive Michael Finley. Deputy AD Mitchell Pinta withdrew from consideration, leaving interim AD Marcus Sedberry’s status uncertain. The university aims to appoint a new leader by summer 2026 to address challenges such as recent football losses and budget constraints, potentially hiring an external candidate for the first time since 1989.
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Wisconsin Badgers Launch Search for Next Athletic Director
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has formally initiated the search for its next Athletic Director, a critical leadership role within the Badgers' athletic program. Interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots is leading the effort, emphasizing the need for a candidate who aligns with the university's values during a transformational period in college athletics. A nine-member search committee, chaired by Lauren Bishop, an associate professor and Faculty Athletics Representative, has been assembled to oversee the process. The committee includes diverse stakeholders such as alumni, former student-athletes, university administrators, and current student representatives, including Chris Ballard, Meghan Duggan, and Michael Finley. Over the coming weeks, the group will gather feedback from coaches, staff, alumni, and student-athletes to define desired qualities for the new director. The selected candidate will report directly to the interim chancellor, overseeing varsity programs with a focus on student-athlete well-being, academic success, financial management, and competitive excellence. The university aims to appoint the new Athletic Director by this summer, ensuring continuity and strategic growth for Wisconsin Athletics amidst significant changes in the collegiate sports landscape.
yahoo sportsWisconsin Deputy AD Mitchell Pinta Withdraws from Athletic Director Search
Mitchell Pinta, the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Revenue Officer at the University of Wisconsin, has officially withdrawn his name from consideration for the vacant Athletic Director position. Pinta informed the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that pursuing the top job is not the right move for his family at this time. He expressed full confidence in interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots and campus leadership to secure a suitable candidate. Pinta, a UW alum who joined the athletic department in 2022 after a 14-year tenure with the NFL, has been instrumental in driving business momentum, including securing a contract extension with Under Armour and expanding sponsorship opportunities. His decision comes as the university announces a nine-person search committee, chaired by faculty representative Lauren Bishop and including notable figures like Chris Ballard and Michael Finley, to replace former AD Chris McIntosh. Meanwhile, interim AD Marcus Sedberry has not yet declared his intentions regarding the permanent role. If an external candidate is selected, it would mark the first time since 1989 that Wisconsin has hired an athletic director from outside its current internal staff.
yahoo sportsWisconsin Deputy AD Mitchell Pinta Withdraws from Athletic Director Search
Mitchell Pinta, the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Revenue Officer at the University of Wisconsin, has officially withdrawn his name from consideration for the vacant Athletic Director position. Pinta informed the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that pursuing the top job is not the right move for his family at this time. He expressed full confidence in interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots and campus leadership to secure the appropriate candidate for the role. Pinta stated his focus remains on sustaining the strong business momentum within the athletic department, where he has overseen significant initiatives including contract extensions with Under Armour and new sponsorship deals since joining in 2022. The university recently announced a nine-person search committee, chaired by Lauren Bishop and including notable sports executives Chris Ballard and Michael Finley, to replace former AD Chris McIntosh, who departed for a role at the Big Ten office. Meanwhile, interim AD Marcus Sedberry has not yet declared whether he will seek the permanent position. If an external candidate is hired, it would mark the first time since 1989 that Wisconsin has selected an athletic director from outside its current department.
yahoo sportsColts GM Chris Ballard Joins Wisconsin Athletic Director Search Committee
Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard has been appointed to the search committee for the University of Wisconsin-Madison's next athletic director. This development follows the departure of former AD Chris McIntosh, who stepped down in April 2026 to assume the role of deputy commissioner for strategy at the Big Ten Conference. McIntosh had served as the Badgers' athletic director since 2021. The search committee includes several other notable members: Michael Finley, Rob Cramer, Meghan Duggan, Marija Pientka, Michael Shannon, and Williams Smith. Additionally, reports from ESPN indicate that the university will engage a professional search firm to assist in identifying suitable candidates. Ballard's involvement is particularly significant given his status as a UW-Madison alumnus and former player for the Wisconsin football team. He has held the position of general manager for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts since the 2017 season. This appointment highlights the intersection of professional sports leadership and collegiate athletic administration, leveraging Ballard's extensive experience in sports management to guide the selection process for one of the most prominent athletic programs in the United States.
yahoo sportsNFL GM Chris Ballard Joins Wisconsin's Search Committee for Next Athletic Director
The University of Wisconsin has officially formed a nine-person search committee to identify a replacement for outgoing Athletic Director Chris McIntosh, with expectations that a new leader will be appointed this summer. The university has engaged CSA Search and Consulting to assist in the process. The committee is chaired by UW professor and faculty athletics representative Lauren Bishop. Notably, the group includes several high-profile Wisconsin alumni currently holding executive positions in professional sports leagues. These members include Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard, Dallas Mavericks co-interim General Manager Michael Finley, and New Jersey Devils Director of Player Development Meghan Duggan. According to Bishop, the inclusion of diverse voices is vital to determining the necessary qualities for the next athletic director. Over the coming weeks, the committee plans to gather feedback from key stakeholders, including student-athletes, coaches, athletic department staff, and alumni. This strategic approach aims to ensure a comprehensive selection process that reflects the needs and values of the entire Badgers community as they transition leadership within their athletic department.
yahoo sportsNFL GM Chris Ballard Joins Wisconsin's Search Committee for Next Athletic Director
The University of Wisconsin has officially announced the formation of a nine-person search committee tasked with finding a replacement for outgoing Athletic Director Chris McIntosh. The university has engaged CSA Search and Consulting to assist in the process, with expectations that a new leader will be appointed by summer 2026. The committee is chaired by UW professor Lauren Bishop and features prominent alumni working in professional sports, including Indianapolis Colts General Manager Chris Ballard, Dallas Mavericks co-interim GM Michael Finley, and New Jersey Devils director Meghan Duggan. Other members include university administrators, business leaders, and a current student-athlete representative. This development follows McIntosh's April resignation to join the Big Ten office as deputy commissioner. Marcus Sedberry currently serves as the interim athletic director. The incoming interim chancellor, Eric Wilcots, initiated the search, emphasizing the vital role of athletics in campus life. The next athletic director will face significant challenges, including addressing back-to-back losing football seasons and managing a budget constrained by rising costs and declining football ticket sales.
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