Bob Stoops and Brent Venables share their opinions on the Sooners’ new Athletic Director Roger Denny
The Sooners like Roger Denny a lot.
The Oklahoma Sooners have hired a new Athletic Director after Joe Castiglione stepped down and retired after 27 years. Castiglione achieved many great things for OU, making it important to find a worthy replacement.
Earlier this week, they announced that former Illinois deputy athletic director and chief operating officer Roger Denny would be OU’s next athletic director. Denny brings experience in overseeing athletic operations, legal affairs, compliance, and day-to-day administration at Illinois. He’s been interviewed on campus twice, and the search committee appreciated his broad expertise in managing athletics programs and his leadership skills. Now, for the first time since the hire, two prominent figures in OU football are speaking out about the hire.
Bob Stoops and Brent Venables react to the Sooners hiring Roger Denny as Athletic Director
“I’ve been incredibly impressed with Roger Denny’s background and experience,” Stoops said. “And when you examine everything he’s achieved – with his strong legal background and all he’s been involved with at Illinois in this new era of college athletics – you understand he doesn’t just have experience. He has really good experience. He’s touched so many areas with the Illini in a really positive way. I’m good friends with their football coach, Bret Bielema, who called me on the day of their bowl game to tell me all the reasons Roger would be good for us at OU. I think he’s ready for the opportunity and will flourish here. I’m excited to welcome him to the OU family.”
Stoops was a vital member of the hiring process. We all know the last time the Sooners were at the peak of their financial importance in their most important sport was under Stoops. His having a say on the hire and also helping look for the next AD was crucial.
“I’m extremely confident that Roger’s extensive background in law and highly accomplished time as Deputy AD and COO at the University of Illinois have prepared him for this outstanding opportunity to lead theAthletics Department, and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about his hiring,” head coach Brent Venables said. “He is more than ready to help us navigate this rapidly changing college sports landscape and keep us positioned for success now and in the future. I’ve heard nothing but great things about his approach to his work, how intelligent he is, how he interacts with others, and how committed he is to winning.”
Having the head coach and leader of your football program, the biggest moneymaker for the university in terms of sports, is crucial. I’m sure Venables had a pretty decent say in the hire of Denny. If he likes him, and Stoops likes him, the Sooners must be happy with what’s to come in the next few years.
Oklahoma Sooners News
Oklahoma Sooners may have found their next Athletic Director after having Joe Castiglione since 1998
The Sooners have been searching for a new Athletic Director.
