The University of Oklahoma is poised to appoint Roger Denny as its new Athletics Director, according to sources familiar with the situation. A formal announcement is anticipated next week, marking a significant transition for the university’s athletic program.
Denny currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer and Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Illinois. He has been in this role since July 2021 and will succeed Joe Castiglione, who announced his retirement in July 2025 after a notable tenure that has reshaped Oklahoma athletics since 1998.
Experience and Impact
The hiring process for Denny included two interviews on the Oklahoma campus, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The deal is expected to be finalized shortly. Denny’s experience at Illinois has equipped him with a robust skill set in overseeing various operational aspects of the athletics department, including the management of business operations, facilities, and revenue generation.
As the sport administrator for the Fighting Illini football program, Denny has managed critical areas such as corporate sponsorships, public facility management, and athletic camps. His oversight extends to the department’s internal operations, which encompass human resources and data management.
Academic and Legal Background
Denny’s academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University, a law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law, and an LL.M. in tax law from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. Before his role at Illinois, he was a partner at the national law firm Spencer Fane LLP in St. Louis, where he specialized in executive compensation, corporate finance, and sports business transactions.
Denny, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, resides in Champaign, Illinois, with his wife, Alecia, and their twin sons, Trey and Michael. His diverse experience in both athletics and law positions him well to lead the University of Oklahoma’s athletic programs into the future.
The transition comes at a pivotal moment for Oklahoma athletics, which has seen significant changes in leadership and strategy under Castiglione’s guidance. As the university prepares for this new chapter, the appointment of Denny signals a commitment to maintaining a strong and competitive athletic program.
