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Wisconsin tabs pro sports execs to aid in athletics director search
TL;DR
Wisconsin is searching for a new athletics director after Chris McIntosh's departure to the Big Ten. The university has enlisted a nine-person committee, including notable sports executives like Chris Ballard and Michael Finley, to assist in the search.
Key points
- Wisconsin is searching for a new athletics director.
- Chris McIntosh left to become Big Ten deputy commissioner.
- A nine-person committee is assisting in the search.
- Chris Ballard and Michael Finley are part of the committee.
- The new director will face decisions about head coach Luke Fickell.
Mentioned in this story
WisconsinChris McIntoshBig TenIndianapolis ColtsDallas MavericksChris BallardMichael FinleyLuke Fickell
Wisconsin has begun its search to replace athletics director Chris McIntosh, and it's turning to some big names in professional sports for consulting roles.
McIntosh, a UW alum who had worked in the athletics department since 2014, left the Badgers last month to become the Big Ten deputy commissioner for strategy. He had been the athletics director since 2021, with Marcus Sedberry currently serving as the interim in his absence.
Wisconsin announced a nine-person committee to aid with the search, and among the names on that list are Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard and current Dallas Mavericks interim general manager Michael Finley. Ballard and Finley are both UW alums and played for the Badgers in football and basketball, respectively.
Whoever the Badgers hire will likely face a critical decision in Year 1 regarding head football coach Luke Fickell. Despite holding a 17-21 record in three full seasons, Wisconsin opted to retain Fickell in a somewhat surprising move after a 4-8 season in 2025.
However, Fickell could find himself out of a job without significant improvement this fall.
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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire:
Q&A
Who is leading the search for Wisconsin's new athletics director?
A nine-person committee has been formed to lead the search for Wisconsin's new athletics director.
What role did Chris McIntosh take after leaving Wisconsin?
Chris McIntosh left Wisconsin to become the Big Ten deputy commissioner for strategy.
What challenges will the new athletics director face at Wisconsin?
The new athletics director will need to make critical decisions regarding head football coach Luke Fickell, who has a 17-21 record over three seasons.
