Chancellor Syverud Appoints Search Committee for University’s Next Director of Athletics
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud today announced the members of the search committee for the University’s next director of athletics. The search follows the announcement that John Wildhack plans to retire on July 1, 2026, capping a nearly five-decade career in sports that includes 36 years at ESPN and nearly 10 years at the helm of Syracuse Athletics.
“John Wildhack has been an exceptional leader for Syracuse Athletics,” says Chancellor Syverud. “The next director of athletics will build on a strong foundation and lead us into an exciting new era of Orange Athletics.”
Steve Ballentine ’83, University trustee and chair of the Board of Trustees Athletics Committee, will chair the search committee, which includes University trustees, senior administrators, coaching staff, former Syracuse athletes and alumni representatives. They include:
- John Lally ’82, University Trustee
- Ian McIntyre, Men’s Soccer Coach
- Raquel-Ann “Roxi” Nurse McNabb ’98, G’99, University Trustee
- Gabe Nugent, Senior Vice President and General Counsel
- Sarah Scalese, Vice President for Communications
- Mike Tirico ’88, Vice Chair, Board of Trustees
As part of its work, the search committee will seek input from across the University community through engagement with student-athletes, coaches, athletics staff, faculty, alumni and other key stakeholders to gather a wide array of perspectives.
“This search process will be both comprehensive and expeditious,” says Ballentine. “Syracuse Athletics has tremendous assets: a storied athletic history, passionate fan base, exceptional talent, world-class facilities and affiliation in the ACC, one of the nation’s premier conferences. This is a pivotal moment in the rapidly evolving world of college athletics. We’re committed to finding a visionary leader who will help write the next great chapter of Syracuse Athletics.”
CSA Search & Consulting will support the University with this national search. Members of the University community are encouraged to share their input by completing that will inform the search committee’s work.
