Big changes are on the horizon for Syracuse Athletics. After nearly a decade at the helm, Athletic Director John Wildhack is stepping down. The university confirmed that Wildhack will retire on July 1, marking the end of a 10-year run that saw both transformation and transition across the Orange's athletic landscape.
Wildhack’s journey with Syracuse is a full-circle story. A 1980 graduate of the Newhouse School, he returned to his alma mater in 2016 after a 36-year career at ESPN.
He started there as a production assistant and climbed the ranks to become executive vice president for programming and production-a role that gave him a deep understanding of the evolving media and sports landscape. That experience proved valuable as he stepped into the AD role, succeeding Mark Coyle, who left Syracuse after less than a year to take over at Minnesota.
In a statement released by the university, Wildhack called the position “the greatest honor of my career,” reflecting on his time leading the department with a tone of pride and gratitude. “Syracuse University shaped the trajectory of my life,” he said. “To spend nearly a decade serving my alma mater has been an extraordinary privilege.”
Under Wildhack’s leadership, Syracuse Athletics made notable strides in facility upgrades, academic performance, and program visibility. While the trophy case didn’t exactly overflow-Syracuse captured one team national title during his tenure, the 2022 NCAA men’s soccer championship-there were still moments of individual brilliance. Justyn Knight’s dominance on the track in 2017-18, when he claimed NCAA titles in cross country and the indoor 5,000 meters, stands out as a highlight.
Wildhack’s impact extended well beyond wins and losses. He spearheaded major infrastructure projects, including the renovation and renaming of the iconic Carrier Dome-now the JMA Wireless Dome-and the upgrades to the Lally Athletic Complex. These weren’t just cosmetic changes; they were investments aimed at modernizing Syracuse’s athletic footprint and enhancing the student-athlete experience.
He also made several high-profile coaching hires that will shape the program’s future for years to come. Among them: Fran Brown, Felisha Legette-Jack, Adrian Autry, Gary Gait, Kayla Treanor, and Regy Thorpe. Each of these coaches brings a unique pedigree and vision, and their appointments reflect Wildhack’s emphasis on both competitive excellence and cultural fit.
Wildhack wasn’t just a figurehead in Central New York-he held weight on the national stage as well. He served as the ACC’s representative on the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee and chaired the group of ACC athletic directors, giving Syracuse a seat at some of college sports’ most influential tables.
The timing of his departure is also significant. July 1 is the same day current Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud is set to leave the university.
Syverud, who originally planned to retire, recently announced he’ll become the next president at the University of Michigan. That creates a dual leadership transition at a pivotal time for the university.
With both the chancellor and athletic director roles soon to be vacant, Syracuse’s Board of Trustees has its hands full as it searches for successors who can guide the institution through the next chapter.
Wildhack’s legacy will likely be measured not just by championships, but by the foundation he leaves behind. He helped modernize the department, elevated its national profile, and brought a media-savvy approach to an era when college athletics has never been more complex or competitive. As Syracuse prepares for a new era, Wildhack exits having left his mark-one built on loyalty, vision, and a deep connection to the Orange.