As Oregon State gears up for a new era, the search for a new athletic director is on the horizon. With Scott Barnes set to retire in August, the Beavers are poised to enter the revamped Pac-12 landscape with fresh leadership across key positions, including a new football coach and men’s basketball coach. The challenges ahead are significant, especially in terms of boosting revenue streams and navigating the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Let's dive into a preliminary list of 15 potential candidates who could take the helm as Oregon State's next athletic director. This list is dynamic, and as the process unfolds, we can expect changes.
Rob Acunto - Currently the deputy athletic director at Fresno State, Acunto has worn many hats, including interim AD. His past roles span Presbyterian, UTEP, The Citadel, American, Cornell, and the Atlantic 10, showcasing a wealth of experience in collegiate sports administration.
Tom Burman - With a long tenure at Wyoming, Burman is a seasoned veteran in the Mountain West. His contract is nearing its end, and his experience at Portland State and Wyoming over nearly two decades makes him a compelling candidate.
Jason Cappadoro - As USC's deputy athletic director and COO, Cappadoro brings a strong operational background. His time at Washington and Fresno State adds depth to his understanding of athletic program management.
Tim Collins - Eastern Washington’s AD for three years, Collins has a history with Fresno State and has also contributed to programs at Wyoming and Cal State Fullerton.
Jay Hilbrands - Overseeing revenue generation at USC, Hilbrands has a keen eye for marketing, fundraising, and NIL operations. His previous experience at Washington further solidifies his credentials.
Valerie Johnson - Currently serving as Oregon’s senior woman administrator, Johnson has a rich history with Portland State and has been integral in Title IX coordination.
Jeff Konya - At the helm of San Jose State for five years, Konya is a two-time NACDA AD of the year. His past roles include positions at Northeastern, Oakland, CSU Bakersfield, and SMU.
Zak Lassiter - In his fifth year as Abilene Christian’s AD, Lassiter recently extended his contract. He has a strong connection to OSU, having served as deputy athletic director for six years.
Kimya Massey - Leading San Diego’s athletic department for two years, Massey’s previous tenure at Oregon State saw him oversee significant projects, including the Reser Stadium renovation.
Mark Orr - With nine years at Sacramento State, Orr is known for making impactful coaching hires. His experience spans Saint Mary’s College and Cal, adding to his robust portfolio.
Chris Park - Joining Ohio State in January, Park’s background includes development and marketing roles at Baylor, Texas A&M, and Washington State.
Nathan Pine - Air Force’s AD for eight years, Pine’s ties to OSU as an alum and his committee roles in NCAA baseball and FCS football highlight his extensive expertise.
Joth Ricci - An OSU alum and current CEO of LYBL, Ricci brings a unique perspective from the business world, having led companies like Dutch Bros.
Joe Sidwell - At Colorado State for two years, Sidwell’s background includes deputy AD roles at Penn State and San Francisco.
Jerry Ukaegbu - Recently starting at Utah State, Ukaegbu’s experience at Washington State involved sports administration and facilities projects, making him a versatile candidate.
As Oregon State navigates this pivotal transition, the focus will be on finding a leader who can steer the Beavers through the evolving collegiate sports landscape, ensuring both competitive success and financial stability.