University of Wisconsin Searches for New Athletic Director

Apr 27, 2026, 10:28
USSports

Introduction

The University of Wisconsin is looking for a new athletic director after Chris McIntosh left to become the deputy commissioner for strategy for the Big Ten conference. Marcus Sedberry has been appointed as the interim athletic director to lead the department during this transition.

Main Body

This vacancy is a rare event for the university, as it is only the third time in over thirty years that the position has changed. In the past, the role was known for its stability, with previous directors Pat Richter and Barry Alvarez serving for 15 and 17 years. Furthermore, this search happens while the university is also looking for a permanent chancellor, following Jennifer Mnookin's move to Columbia University. There is some uncertainty regarding the process because the university has not yet announced a formal search committee or hired an external firm. As a result, several candidates with connections to the state or the school have been mentioned. Marcus Sedberry, who has been the deputy athletic director since 2022, could provide internal continuity. However, some critics point to the recent performance of the football program, which has suffered its first consecutive losing seasons since the early 1990s. Several external candidates with strong college experience are also being considered. These include Jamie Pollard from Iowa State, who has a 21-year record of success, and Sean Frazier from Northern Illinois. Other potential names include Shawn Eichorst from Texas and David Harris from Tulane. Additionally, the university might look at professional sports executives, such as Brad Alberts, the CEO of the NHL's Dallas Stars. The final decision will likely depend on whether the university prefers an internal promotion, an experienced college administrator, or a professional sports manager.

Conclusion

The University of Wisconsin is currently facing a double leadership transition for both its athletic department and its chancellor's office. The athletic department will remain under interim management until a permanent successor to Chris McIntosh is chosen.

Vocabulary Learning

candidate
person considered for a position候選人
Example:Several candidates have been shortlisted for the role.
continuity
state of continuing without interruption持續性
Example:The interim director aims to maintain continuity in the program.
interim
temporary / provisional臨時的
Example:The interim director will serve until a permanent one is hired.
transition
process of change from one state to another轉變
Example:The university is undergoing a transition in leadership.
uncertainty
lack of certainty; doubt不確定性
Example:There is uncertainty about when the new director will be appointed.

Sentence Learning

Marcus Sedberry, who has been the deputy athletic director since 2022, could provide internal continuity.
Relative Clause: The clause 'who has been the deputy athletic director since 2022' gives extra information about Marcus Sedberry.關係子句: 子句 'who has been the deputy athletic director since 2022' 為 Marcus Sedberry 提供額外資訊。
In the past, the role was known for its stability, with previous directors Pat Richter and Barry Alvarez serving for 15 and 17 years.
Passive Voice: 'was known' shows the role was the subject of being known; the action is performed on it.被動語態: 'was known' 表示該角色是被認為穩定的。
Furthermore, this search happens while the university is also looking for a permanent chancellor, following Jennifer Mnookin's move to Columbia University.
Subordinate Clause (While): 'while the university is also looking for a permanent chancellor' indicates two actions happening at the same time.從屬子句（while）: 子句 'while the university is also looking for a permanent chancellor' 表示兩件事同時發生。
There is some uncertainty regarding the process because the university has not yet announced a formal search committee or hired an external firm.
Subordinate Clause (Because): 'because the university has not yet announced...' explains the reason for uncertainty.從屬子句（because）: 子句 'because the university has not yet announced...' 解釋不確定性的原因。
This vacancy is a rare event for the university, as it is only the third time in over thirty years that the position has changed.
Subordinate Clause (As): 'as it is only the third time...' gives a reason or comparison.從屬子句（as）: 子句 'as it is only the third time...' 提供原因或比較。