Oklahoma is poised to name its next athletic director, with Illinois deputy athletic director and chief operating officer Roger Denny emerging as the leading candidate. This update comes from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, who reports that a deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days. Denny will take over from Joe Castiglione, who has had a remarkable 28-year tenure with the Sooners and announced his retirement last July.
Under Castiglione’s leadership, Oklahoma’s athletic department achieved significant milestones, including 26 national championships and 117 conference titles. The transition from the Big 12 Conference to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) was also smoothly handled during his time, reinforcing his reputation as one of the top athletic directors in the nation.
Denny, who brings a wealth of experience in both law and college athletics, is equipped to meet the challenges ahead. His background as a practicing attorney has immersed him in various aspects of executive compensation, taxation, corporate finance, and real estate development. Oklahoma officials were particularly drawn to his expertise in navigating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations, which have become increasingly important in college sports.
Before his appointment to Illinois in July 2021, Denny was a partner at Spencer Fane LLP, where he advised several power conference schools on key topics such as collective bargaining and media rights. His direct oversight of the football program at Illinois further positions him as a strong candidate for Oklahoma’s athletic department.
Denny holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southeast Missouri State University, a law degree from St. Louis University, and an LLM degree in tax law from Washington University in St. Louis. As the Sooners look to the future, Denny’s experience may very well lead to continued success for Oklahoma athletics.