New Athletic Director Appointed at the University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma has officially named Roger Denny as its new athletic director. This decision was announced on Friday, marking a significant change in leadership for the institution’s athletic department.

Denny has been serving as the deputy AD and chief operating officer at the University of Illinois for the past four years. Prior to that, he worked as a partner at Spencer Fane LLP in St. Louis since 2015. With nearly 15 years of legal experience, Denny brings a unique blend of expertise to his new role. He is replacing Joe Castiglione, who will now take on the title of AD emeritus.

Despite having only four years of experience at an institution, Denny has long been involved with programs, athletes, and coaches. His background in law and athletics makes him a well-rounded candidate for the position.

Several key figures in the Sooners’ community have shared their thoughts on the appointment. OU president Joseph Harroz Jr., chair and special adviser to the president Randall Stephenson, and Denny himself released statements on Friday. Additional comments from coach Brent Venables and others were shared on Saturday.

Reactions from Key Figures

Brent Venables, OU Football Coach

Brent Venables, the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners football team, expressed confidence in Denny’s qualifications. He highlighted Denny’s extensive background in law and his previous role as Deputy AD and COO at the University of Illinois. Venables believes that Denny is well-prepared to lead the OU Athletics Department and navigate the evolving landscape of college sports.

Venables also praised Denny’s approach to work, intelligence, and commitment to winning. He feels that Denny will be an asset in maintaining the success of the program both now and in the future.

Jim Nagy, OU General Manager

Jim Nagy, the general manager of Sooner Football, welcomed the appointment of Denny. He emphasized the importance of the process and vision that led to this hire. Nagy believes that Denny’s adaptability and innovative thinking will help the program maintain its high standards.

Joe Castiglione, Former OU Athletic Director

Joe Castiglione, the outgoing athletic director, expressed excitement about Denny’s appointment. He looks forward to getting to know Denny better and believes that Denny will appreciate the dedicated and talented group of coaches and staff at OU. Castiglione also mentioned the strong fan base and the collaborative spirit that defines the university.

Josh Whitman, Illinois Athletic Director

Josh Whitman, the athletic director at Illinois, praised Denny’s contributions to the program. He described Denny as a visionary leader with a strong work ethic and strategic mindset. Whitman expressed that while they will miss Denny’s presence at Illinois, he is excited to see him succeed at OU.

Sherri Coale, Former OU Women’s Basketball Coach

Sherri Coale, a former women’s basketball coach at OU, commended Denny’s eclectic experience in both collegiate athletics and other areas. She believes that Denny’s strategic thinking and problem-solving skills will be beneficial in leading the athletics department. Coale also noted Denny’s commitment to the purpose and value of athletics in higher education.

Bob Stoops, Former OU Football Coach

Bob Stoops, a former football coach at OU, expressed his admiration for Denny’s background and achievements. He believes that Denny’s experience in navigating complex contract negotiations and his legal expertise make him a valuable addition to the team. Stoops also mentioned that his friend, Bret Bielema, shared positive insights about Denny’s potential at OU.

Sam Bradford, Former OU Quarterback

Sam Bradford, a former quarterback for OU, welcomed Denny to the university. He highlighted Denny’s rare skill set and proven success in various areas. Bradford believes that Denny’s thoughtful approach and big-picture perspective will create opportunities for student-athletes and contribute to the university’s growth.