The University of Wisconsin-Madison confirmed Monday that Athletic Director Chris McIntosh is leaving the school for a newly created position with the Big Ten Conference.
Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh is stepping down to take a newly created position as deputy commissioner for strategy with the Big Ten Conference, the university confirmed in a press release Monday.
McIntosh, who succeeded Barry Alvarez as athletic director in July 2021, confirmed his departure. The move comes after nearly five years leading the Badgers athletic department.
“On one hand it’s very difficult for me to transition away from a place that’s so important to me,” McIntosh said. “On the other hand, it’s an incredible honor and an incredible opportunity to be able to transition to a position at the Big Ten and to work for an incredible leader like Commissioner Petitti and alongside some top-tier, very capable members of the Big Ten as we navigate a dynamic period for college athletics.”
A former Wisconsin offensive lineman who played on two Rose Bowl-winning teams under Alvarez, McIntosh returned to campus in 2014 as an administrator. During his tenure as AD, Wisconsin won 12 team Big Ten titles and multiple national championships across all sports.
The department also secured major business deals, including a 10-year, $104.5 million renewal with Under Armour, a sponsorship with UW Health for women’s sports and new name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements. Last week Governor Evers signed a bill giving the university $14.6 million in annual state money so that the athletic department could spend more on NIL deals.
McIntosh will report directly to Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti. Wisconsin deputy athletic director and chief operating officer Marcus Sedberry is expected to serve as interim AD while the university searches for a permanent replacement.
