For the first time in nearly three decades, someone else will soon be in charge of Oklahoma athletics.
ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Monday that Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione will retire from his full-time role as AD during the upcoming 2025-26 school year. OU president Joseph Harroz Jr. later confirmed the news with a statement.
Castiglione, entering his 28th year as the Sooners' AD, is currently the longest-tenured athletic director in major college sports. According to Harroz, Castiglione will not fully retire until June 30, 2028. Once his success is found, Castiglione will serve as Emeritus Athletics Director.
Thamel also reported that this was Castiglione's decision. According to Thamel, Castiglione, 67, went to the university about a month ago to start a plan for his retirement. With Castiglione making his decision before the new school year starts, OU will have more time to find a replacement and Castiglione will still be on campus to help with the transition. Harroz announced Randall Stephenson will lead OU's search.
OU's athletic director will end longest-tenured run
Under Castiglione, the Sooners won 26 national championships and 117 conference titles as softball and women's gymnastics emerged as dynasties. He also led the way in OU's recent move from the Big 12 to the SEC last summer during the most changing times in college athletics history with NIL, transfers and now revenue sharing.
Castiglione was responsible for hiring the likes of Bob Stoops, Lincoln Riley, Lon Kruger and Jennie Baranczyk.
Castiglione was hired away from Missouri in July 1998. He led the Tigers for five years before making the move. Castiglione was named athletic director of the year by Sports Business Journal in 2009 and 2018. He also won the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics award for the nation's top athletic director in 2000 and 2018.
OU will host a press conference at 9 a.m. CT Tuesday, when Castiglione will make his official announcement. Harroz and Board of Regents Chair Anita Holloway are also expected to speak.
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