MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 20: Wisconsin Badgers Athletic Director Chris McIntosh speaks to the media after the game about the fight against the Michigan Wolverines at Kohl Center on February 20, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/G …
MADISON, Wis. - Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh is reportedly stepping down to take a position with the Big Ten Conference, according to Todd Milewski of BadgerExtra.
What we know:
Milewski reported Sunday, April 12, that McIntosh plans to leave his role to join the conference in a newly created deputy commissioner position.
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McIntosh is considered a "true Badger," having played football at Wisconsin after graduating from Pewaukee High School before becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick. He later returned to Madison and became athletic director in July 2021 following the retirement of Barry Alvarez.
McIntosh’s decision to break from traditional University of Wisconsin ties as football coach shifted public perception. In 2022, he fired head coach Paul Chryst and bypassed interim coach Jim Leonhard, hiring Luke Fickell instead.
Wisconsin is 16-21 under Fickell, a stretch that has drawn scrutiny toward both the coach and athletic department leadership.
The reported departure comes as the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve, leaving Wisconsin with an important opening to fill.
Wisconsin AD Chris McIntosh signs contract extension, gets raise
Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh has signed a five-year contract extension that includes a pay raise. He has held the title since 2021.
The Source: FOX6 utilized a report from BadgerExtra and prior knowledge of Chris McIntosh.