January 24, 2026

University of Oklahoma Appoints New Athletic Director

News Summary

The University of Oklahoma has appointed Roger Denny as its new Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics. Denny, who succeeds retiring Joe Castiglione, brings significant experience in athletics administration, having previously held leadership roles at the University of Illinois. His vision aims to enhance opportunities for student-athletes while continuing the legacy of excellence in college sports. The leadership transition is marked by the ongoing strategic guidance of Randall Stephenson, ensuring stability during this pivotal period in OU Athletics.

Oklahoma City, OK – The University of Oklahoma has appointed Roger Denny as its 12th Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics, marking a significant leadership change in the university’s athletic department. Denny, a seasoned corporate attorney with extensive experience in athletics administration, will succeed Joe Castiglione, who is retiring after a distinguished tenure.

In his new role, Denny is expected to expand opportunities for student-athletes and uphold OU’s tradition of excellence in collegiate sports. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for college athletics, which is undergoing substantial changes. Randall Stephenson, former CEO of AT&T, will continue to serve as Chair and Special Advisor to the President for OU Athletics, ensuring a smooth transition and ongoing strategic guidance.

Prior to joining OU, Denny served as Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Illinois. In this capacity, he oversaw business strategy and department operations, contributing to significant improvements in the football program and overall athletic department performance. Denny’s legal background includes nearly 15 years as a corporate attorney, focusing on executive compensation, tax, corporate finance, and licensing, providing a solid foundation for leading major athletics programs.

Leadership Transition in OU Athletics

Joe Castiglione, who has been at the helm of OU Athletics since 1998, announced his retirement earlier this year. Under his leadership, the Sooners secured 26 national championships and made a successful transition to the Southeastern Conference. His tenure is also marked by significant contributions to the College Football Playoff Committee and NCAA Division I men’s basketball and baseball committees. His retirement signifies the end of an era and paves the way for new leadership under Denny, which is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives to the department.

Vision for Student-Athlete Opportunities

Denny’s vision includes a strong emphasis on expanding opportunities and resources for student-athletes at the University of Oklahoma. His experience in managing athletic departments positions him well to identify areas for growth and development within the university’s sports programs. With a focus on enhancing the student-athlete experience, Denny aims to maintain the high standards set by his predecessor while also responding dynamically to the evolving landscape of college athletics.

Background and Qualifications

Denny brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as the Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Illinois prior to his appointment at OU. His leadership there included overseeing business strategy and operational improvements, particularly in the football program. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University, a law degree from St. Louis University, and an LLM in tax from Washington University in St. Louis, equipping him with diverse expertise and analytical abilities crucial for navigating the challenges in collegiate athletics today.

Strategic Guidance During Transition

Randall Stephenson, who will retain his role as Chair and Special Advisor to the President for OU Athletics, is expected to play a vital role during this leadership transition. His experience as former CEO of AT&T provides a strategic overview of guiding the department as it faces the challenges and opportunities brought about by recent changes in college sports. The continuity in leadership from Stephenson’s guidance is designed to create a stable foundation as Denny implements his vision.

Significance for Oklahoma City’s Higher Education Community

This appointment of Roger Denny is a notable event within Oklahoma city’s higher education landscape, particularly highlighting the significance of strong leadership in university athletics. As one of the prominent institutions in the state, the University of Oklahoma plays a crucial role in shaping not only student-athletes but also broader community engagement through its athletic programs. By emphasizing academic integrity and personal responsibility alongside athletic excellence, OU aims to foster future leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society.

Key Features of Roger Denny’s Appointment

Feature	Details
Position	Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics
Predecessor	Joe Castiglione
Previous Role	Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Illinois
Educational Background	Bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University, law degree from St. Louis University, LLM in tax from Washington University in St. Louis
Key Focus	Expand opportunities for student-athletes and uphold OU’s tradition of excellence in collegiate sports

In conclusion, Roger Denny’s appointment as Director of Athletics is a pivotal development for the University of Oklahoma and the wider Oklahoma city college community. His extensive background and commitment to enhancing student-athlete opportunities set a promising stage for the university’s future in athletics. As the landscape of college sports continues to evolve, Denny’s leadership is expected to navigate the challenges ahead, ensuring that OU remains a leader in collegiate athletics.

Readers are encouraged to stay updated on Oklahoma city’s college community and explore the various programs and events offered at the University of Oklahoma, as the institution remains dedicated to academic excellence and athletic achievement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Roger Denny?

Roger Denny is the newly appointed Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics at the University of Oklahoma. He has a background as a corporate attorney and has held leadership positions in athletics administration, notably at the University of Illinois.

What is the significance of Denny’s appointment?

Denny’s appointment is significant as it marks a leadership change in OU Athletics at a time when college sports are undergoing substantial changes. His experience and vision are expected to guide the department through this dynamic period.

What was Joe Castiglione’s role at OU?

Joe Castiglione served as the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics at the University of Oklahoma from 1998 until his retirement announcement earlier this year. Under his leadership, the Sooners secured 26 national championships and transitioned to the Southeastern Conference.

What is Randall Stephenson’s role in OU Athletics?

Randall Stephenson, former CEO of AT&T, serves as Chair and Special Advisor to the President for OU Athletics. He has been instrumental in strategic planning and will continue to provide guidance during the transition period.

What are Denny’s educational qualifications?

Denny earned his bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University, a law degree from St. Louis University, and an LLM in tax from Washington University in St. Louis.