The University of Oklahoma has found its replacement for longtime athletic director Joe Castiglione, announcing the hiring of Illinois deputy athletic director and chief operating officer Roger Denny on Friday.
Sources told ESPN that Oklahoma officials were attracted to Denny’s legal background and saw a skill set for the new era, which includes experience with collective bargaining, private equity and mergers and acquisitions.
“Oklahoma has a proud tradition in college athletics, and I am honored to join a university that competes with purpose and pride,” Denny said in a statement. “My focus will be on putting student-athletes first in everything we do, providing them the resources and support to excel in competition and in life.”
Denny’s last four years at Illinois included oversight of the football program as well as internal operations, facilities and capital projects, human resources, business intelligence and sports technology. He brings an extensive legal background, including 15 years at the St. Louis office of the firm Spencer Fane LLP.
“College athletics is undergoing profound disruption that requires us to think well beyond conventional structures and roles,” Oklahoma president Joseph Harroz Jr. said in a statement. “In Roger we have the next natural leader who understands both the complexity of the moment and the opportunities it presents. It is clear Roger will advance the bold vision needed for OU to continue leading in a highly dynamic environment.”
Along with hiring Denny, Oklahoma is set to keep former AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson in his role as the chair and special adviser to the president and athletic director.
Castiglione is set to become the athletic director emeritus after announcing his retirement last July, ending the longest-tenured run for an AD in major college sports.
