The University of Oklahoma has officially ushered in a new era for its athletic department, naming Roger Denny as its 12th Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Programs and Director of Athletics. Denny steps into a role that’s been a pillar of stability and success for nearly three decades, replacing the legendary Joe Castiglione, who announced his retirement last year after a 25-year run that helped shape OU into one of the most respected brands in college sports.
Denny arrives in Norman after serving as Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Illinois, where he earned a reputation as a forward-thinking, detail-oriented leader with a strong legal background and an eye for navigating the ever-shifting landscape of college athletics. A former lawyer, Denny’s blend of legal acumen and operational experience has drawn praise from some of the most influential voices in Oklahoma’s athletic community.
Big Shoes to Fill, But a Confident Step Forward
Let’s not sugarcoat it - following Joe Castiglione is no small task. Castiglione’s legacy includes national championships, elite program-building, and a deep commitment to student-athlete development. But if the early reactions are any indication, Denny is walking into the role with the full backing of the Sooner family.
The hiring process was led by University President Joseph Harroz Jr. and Randall Stephenson, Chair and Special Advisor to the President for OU Athletics. After an extensive search, they landed on Denny as the right leader to guide OU through a period of massive change in college sports - from NIL to conference realignment to the ever-expanding playoff picture.
Brent Venables: “He’s More Than Ready”
Oklahoma football head coach Brent Venables didn’t hold back in his endorsement of Denny. And when the head coach of the Sooners - in a state where football is more than just a game - gives a nod of approval, it carries weight.
"I'm extremely confident Roger's extensive background in law and highly accomplished time as Deputy AD and COO at the University of Illinois have prepared him for this outstanding opportunity to lead the OU Athletics Department," Venables said. "He is more than ready to help us navigate this rapidly changing college sports landscape and keep us positioned for success now and in the future."
Venables also emphasized Denny’s intelligence, work ethic, and people-first approach - the kind of traits that resonate in locker rooms and boardrooms alike.
Jim Nagy: “An Adaptive Innovator”
Sooner Football General Manager Jim Nagy echoed those sentiments, calling Denny an “adaptive innovator” - a critical quality in today’s fast-moving college football environment. With new challenges emerging seemingly every season, from the transfer portal to evolving NIL regulations, Denny’s ability to adapt and lead through change will be tested early and often.
"We trust the process and vision that led President Joseph Harroz Jr., Randall Stephenson, and the Board of Regents to this exciting hire," Nagy said. "Roger is the type of adaptive innovator that will allow our program to maintain the expected level of excellence."
Joe Castiglione Passes the Torch
The man Denny is replacing, Joe Castiglione, offered a warm welcome and a vote of confidence. Castiglione’s tenure saw OU rise to national prominence across multiple sports, and his support signals a smooth transition - one built on shared values and a commitment to excellence.
"I know he will come to love working with the most dedicated and talented group of coaches and staff in the country," Castiglione said. "He will also find the greatest fanbase in America and experience the power of everyone working together in pursuit of continued growth and competitiveness for OU."
Bob Stoops: “He Has Really Good Experience”
Bob Stoops, the former national championship-winning head coach and a key voice in the hiring process, pointed to Denny’s deep and diverse experience at Illinois. Stoops highlighted Denny’s legal background and his ability to operate effectively across multiple areas within a major athletic department.
“When you examine everything he's achieved - with his strong legal background and all he's been involved with at Illinois in this new era of college athletics - you understand he doesn't just have experience. He has really good experience,” Stoops said.
Stoops also shared a personal anecdote from Illinois head coach Bret Bielema, who called him on the day of their bowl game to advocate for Denny - a telling endorsement from someone who’s worked closely with him.
Sam Bradford: “A Rare Skill Set”
Heisman Trophy winner and former OU quarterback Sam Bradford, who also served on the hiring committee, praised Denny’s ability to navigate complex challenges with integrity and a big-picture mindset.
"Roger brings a rare skill set, with proven success in the legal world, in college athletics, and in navigating complex contract negotiations," Bradford said. "He approaches every challenge thoughtfully, with integrity and a big-picture perspective."
Bradford’s comments speak to the kind of leadership OU was looking for - someone who can represent the university’s values while also pushing the envelope in a rapidly evolving space.
University Leadership: A Vision for the Future
President Joseph Harroz Jr. and Randall Stephenson both framed Denny’s hire as a move not just for the present, but for the future. With college athletics undergoing seismic shifts, they see Denny as a leader who can think beyond the traditional playbook.
"College athletics is undergoing profound disruption that requires us to think well beyond conventional structures and roles," Harroz said. "In Roger we have the next natural leader who understands both the complexity of the moment and the opportunities it presents."
Stephenson added, "Roger is the ideal candidate to lead Sooner Athletics with his deep legal background serving both the professional and college sports industries. He is a proven operator with a competitive intensity and drive to win."
What’s Next for OU?
Denny officially steps into the role next month, and his plate will be full from day one. From guiding OU through its continued transition into the SEC to ensuring the university remains a national contender across all sports, the challenges are real - but so are the opportunities.
And if the early feedback is any indication, Oklahoma believes it’s found the right person for the job. Roger Denny may be new to Norman, but he’s already got the support of the Sooners’ most trusted voices - and that’s a strong foundation to build on.