January 24, 2026

University of Oklahoma Appoints New Athletic Director

Oklahoma City, January 24, 2026

The University of Oklahoma has appointed Roger Denny as the new Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics. Denny, who previously served at the University of Illinois, takes over from Joe Castiglione, who led the department for nearly 30 years. His extensive background in athletics administration and law positions him well to navigate the evolving landscape of collegiate sports, especially as Oklahoma transitions to the SEC. Community engagement and partnerships will be key focuses under his leadership as he aims to continue the legacy of excellence established by his predecessor.

Oklahoma City, PA — The University of Oklahoma has made a significant move in its athletics program by appointing Roger Denny as the new Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics, effective February 15, 2026. This decision marks a new chapter for OU athletics as Denny takes the reins following the retirement of Joe Castiglione, who has led the department for nearly 30 years. Denny’s robust background in athletics administration and law positions him well to steer the university into an evolving landscape of collegiate sports.

Denny comes to Oklahoma from the University of Illinois, where he served as Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer. His leadership there was marked by a strategy that resulted in 19 wins for the football program over two seasons and significant fundraising success, securing a $100 million gift for Illinois athletics, a record for the university. This financial acumen coupled with his legal expertise in executive compensation and corporate finance gives him a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in leading a major athletics program.

Implications for Oklahoma’s Athletic Landscape

Denny’s appointment comes at a critical time for Oklahoma athletics as the university prepares to face new challenges and opportunities, particularly in light of its recent transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). His leadership is anticipated to enhance the competitive edge of Oklahoma’s athletic programs, which are already known for their rich tradition of excellence, including a legacy of 26 national championships under Castiglione’s guidance.

Community Support and Investment

The support of the local community and private investors has been instrumental in the growth of collegiate athletics in Oklahoma. As Denny embarks on his new role, collaboration with local businesses and alumni will be vital to foster a successful and thriving athletic environment. Previous initiatives have illustrated the potential of these partnerships, and building strong community ties will be a priority for Denny’s administration.

Continuing the Legacy of Joe Castiglione

Joe Castiglione’s tenure has been characterized by strategic growth and landmark achievements. His transition to Athletic Director Emeritus will ensure that Denny has valuable access to his insights as he takes on the challenges ahead. This seamless transition is further supported by the continued involvement of Randall Stephenson, former CEO of AT&T, who serves as Chair and Special Advisor to the President for OU Athletics.

Focus on Personal and Institutional Growth

Denny’s commitment to fostering an environment of personal growth among student-athletes aligns with the broader goals of university administration. Encouraging academic success alongside athletic achievement is a cornerstone of his philosophy. The aim is not only to develop strong athletes but leaders who will contribute positively to society after their collegiate careers.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for OU Athletics

As Oklahoma gears up for this new chapter, the anticipation surrounding Denny’s leadership signals a promising future filled with opportunity for development, achievement, and community engagement. The athletic department is poised to explore innovative initiatives while building upon the strong foundation laid by Castiglione.

Conclusion

With Roger Denny at the helm, the University of Oklahoma is set to embrace a new era of athletic excellence, combining rich traditions with modern strategies. As the university community rallies together to support its student-athletes, the focus on responsible growth and competition will be vital to thriving in the landscape of college sports. Engaging with the local community and exploring new partnerships will be critical as Denny leads Oklahoma Athletics into the future.

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, effective February 15, 2026. He previously served as Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Illinois.

What is Joe Castiglione’s role now?

Joe Castiglione announced his retirement in July 2025 after nearly three decades as Oklahoma’s athletic director. He will transition to the role of athletic director emeritus.

What are Roger Denny’s qualifications?

Roger Denny has a background in law, focusing on executive compensation, tax, corporate finance, and licensing. 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.

Who is Randall Stephenson?

Randall Stephenson is the former CEO of AT&T and currently serves as Chair and Special Advisor to the President for OU Athletics, a role he has held since 2024.

Feature	Details
New Athletic Director	Roger Denny
Effective Date	February 15, 2026
Predecessor	Joe Castiglione
Previous Role of Denny	Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Illinois
Stephenson’s Role	Chair and Special Advisor to the President for OU Athletics