After nearly three decades of leading the Oklahoma Sooners, Sooner Nation and the rest of the college sports world just had to give a tip of the fedora to Joe Castiglione.
Entering his 28th season as OU's athletic director, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Monday that Castiglione will retire during the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. According to Thamel, Castiglione will still stick around OU as athletic director emeritus after his successor is found.
Castiglione is currently the longest-tenured AD in major college sports. Under Castiglione, the Sooners won 26 national championships and 117 conference titles. That includes the Sooners' last national title in football in 2000 under Bob Stoops, who Castiglione hired, and the emergence of softball and women's gymnastics as dynasties.
He also ushered OU from the Big 12 to the SEC last summer. He 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.
After Thamel broke the massive news, social media erupted to pay respect to Castiglione, even during a time when OU football is at a low point.
Social media reacts to Joe Castiglione’s retirement from Oklahoma
Oklahoma has reached its highest highs under Joe C and he’s set us up for the modern era of college athletics for the foreseeable future. He’s done his job.
— Baker Mayfield’s burner (@BiggestOUfan) July 7, 2025
The man that’s erected many statues deserves one of his own.
ALL HAIL JOE C. https://t.co/3pgT0NkAsk
26 National Championships
— Travis J Davidson (@TravisSkol) July 7, 2025
Multiple Athletic Director of the Year Awards
Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame c/o 2018
Longest-tenured AD in major college sports
Next stop, the College Football Hall of Fame pic.twitter.com/Wn3a5L5ewA
Joe C forever 🫡 pic.twitter.com/XnmBDIetrY
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) July 7, 2025
No one talks about the 90s anymore because of Joe C. He has kept Oklahoma stable for almost 30 years and the athletic department’s success has played a huge part in advancing the image of the state nationally.
— Kegan Reneau (@KeganReneau) July 7, 2025
Talk about tomorrow, tomorrow. Joe C deserves to be celebrated. https://t.co/srK1ag4ok7
Appreciate all you did Joe C. You’ll get a lot of flack from others but as an AD myself I’m incredibly appreciative of what you did for OU and look forward to the future of OU Athletics!
— J🅿️ (@indy_sooner) July 7, 2025
Rest well man! https://t.co/Pr5OwtPqgQ
ALL LOVE FOR JOE C #BOOMER 🤟🏼 pic.twitter.com/akv7o6QL2t
— Tattoo Baker 🎥✨ (@QB1TATT00) July 7, 2025
To represent the same institution for so long in an industry as fluid as college athletics is a testament to 1) excellence and 2) loyalty.
— Parker Thune (@ParkerThune) July 7, 2025
A major tip of the fedora to Joe Castiglione. The #Sooners are far better for having had him as their AD for nearly three decades.
Going to be a huge decision on who will replace the greatest AD in the country. #Sooners #OU https://t.co/srvuOK7VhC pic.twitter.com/UOWcNrHanm
— Just OK Sports (@JustOKsport) July 7, 2025
From son to father.
Hell of a run. Forever my goat! ❤️ https://t.co/U2rx3Lc9xx pic.twitter.com/WGNCdMWei1
— Joe Castiglione Jr. (@JoeCJr29) July 7, 2025
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