There is “no definitive timeline” yet on the search for a new Univ. of Wisconsin AD after Chris McIntosh stepped down from the spot for a role with the Big Ten on Monday, according to Todd Milewski of the WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL. UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, who is leaving in May to become president of Columbia Univ., said in a message to campus Monday that College of Letters and Science Dean Eric Wilcots will “take the lead in determining what a search for a new director of athletics may look like and when it will occur.” Wilcots will be the interim chancellor starting May 17. Athletic Board Chair Doug McLeod said that it was “unclear how long Marcus Sedberry will be in the interim athletic director role.” McLeod added that the AD search process “could be done in two weeks or it could last until the fall.” The news of former AD Chris McIntosh’s departure came at the start of a “busy week behind the scenes” in the Wisconsin athletic department. The Athletic Board committee covering finance, facilities and operations is scheduled for a Wednesday meeting to hear details of and vote on the proposed 2026-27 budget (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 4/14).
FOOTBALL FALLOUT: In Milwaukee, Christopher Kuhagen wrote McIntosh’s tenure “goes beyond just one hire.” But as he departs after five years, his hire of football coach Luke Fickell in December 2023 to take over the program is “at the top of mind for many Wisconsin supporters.” The program under Fickell has taken “a major step back.” McIntosh leaves with the football program “nowhere close” to the Rose Bowl teams that he was a part of in 1999 and 2000 (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 4/13).
