Joe Castiglione, the longest-tenured athletic director in major college sports, announced his retirement from the University of Oklahoma during the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. Castiglione has served as Oklahoma's athletic director since 1998, marking a 28-year tenure that includes overseeing 26 national championships and guiding the university's transition to the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Throughout his career, he has earned multiple Athletic Director of the Year awards and was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. Under his leadership, 32 employees have advanced to become athletic directors or commissioners. The university plans to conduct a search for his successor, led by Randall Stephenson, chair of Oklahoma football, who is expected to pursue an unconventional candidate for the role. Castiglione will continue in his role until the new hire is made and will remain with the university as athletic director emeritus. The formal announcement was made during a press conference attended by Castiglione, University President Joseph Harroz Jr., and Board of Regents Chair Anita Holloway. Castiglione's retirement marks the end of a notable era in college athletics, with reflections on his impact highlighting his contributions to the growth and success of Oklahoma's athletic programs.
Media Q&A: What Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione and President Joe Harroz Said https://t.co/gXUjHBEUWz
Sooners On SI: Former Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops Reflects on Joe Castiglione's Tenure as AD https://t.co/A84SAyA7n0
Oklahoma AD Joe Castiglione Hopes His Successor Will “Lean Into the Future” https://t.co/CoSS0AIKE2