NORMAN, Okla. (AP) – Oklahoma's athletic director, Joe Castiglione, announced on Tuesday that the upcoming academic year will mark his final year in leadership, culminating in his official retirement set for June 2028. This decision follows a remarkable 27-year tenure in which he has significantly shaped the university's athletic landscape.
At a news conference attended by family and colleagues, the 67-year-old Castiglione reflected on his decision. He shared his journey over the past couple of months, moving from initial thoughts to profound life reflections. “When is the right time to pass the baton? When is the best time to make an announcement like this? I’m not sure if it’s ever perfect or predictable, but they always say you’ll know,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of timing in such a pivotal career move.
In the final year leading the athletics department, Castiglione will assist the university in finding a successor during the 2025-2026 academic year. After this transitional phase, he is slated to take on a special projects role for a couple of additional years. “I wanted to give the university plenty of runway to facilitate a search as I enter my final year as AD,” he stated, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to future initiatives at Oklahoma.
Under Castiglione’s leadership, Oklahoma’s athletic programs achieved tremendous success, claiming 26 national championships, including nine titles in men's gymnastics and eight in women's softball. In a significant milestone for the university, Castiglione was instrumental in orchestrating the transition to the Southeastern Conference in 2024, ending a 30-year affiliation with the Big 12.
The university is now embarking on the search for Castiglione's successor, focusing on finding a leader who will build on his accomplishments and guide the program through the evolving landscape of revenue-sharing in college sports. Board of Regents chair, Anita Holloway, acknowledged the challenge in replacing a figure of Castiglione's caliber, stating, "Needless to say, Joe is irreplaceable. But one thing I will leave you with today is Sooner Nation, you have my and the entire Board of Regents’ personal commitment that we will make sure that we’re hiring the next best athletic director in the country. We want to continue the legacy that Joe Castiglione has set for us: a performance of integrity and national championships."
As Oklahoma prepares for this leadership transition, the university community looks ahead, inspired by Castiglione’s legacy of excellence and integrity in athletics.
