Washington moved quickly to fill its athletics director vacancy left by Troy Dannen’s departure for Nebraska, and the Huskies hired Washington State’s Pat Chun on Tuesday.
Washington announced that Chun began his duties today. He served as AD at Washington State for six years.
READ: Reports: Oregon State, Washington State finalize settlement with outgoing Pac-12 teams
“It is truly an honor for my family and I to join the University of Washington family, and I look forward to doing my part to help elevate the athletics program and the University,” Chun stated in a release. “I am grateful to President (Ana Mari) Cauce for the opportunity and will work closely with our campus partners, our coaches and our staff to help our student-athletes have an incredible experience at UW. Our transition to the Big Ten is a critical step in our journey and great things lie ahead for the Huskies!”
The current president of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and co-chairs the Pac-12 ImPACt Leadership Council, Chun has over two decades of experience in college athletics.
He became the first Asian-American athletics director to lead a Power Five program upon his appointment at Washington State in 2018.
READ: Cincinnati hires Brad Wittke as chief of staff
Chun oversaw Washington State when he “was named the Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year, ten different WSU sports programs made NCAA tournament appearances and the school won six Pac-12 Championships” and led the Cougars to “record levels of donor support.”
Chun was appointed to the College Football Playoff Selection Committee earlier this year.
“I am excited about forming an elite partnership and special relationship with Pat Chun. It was critical for us to hire an extraordinary leader who is all about the W. Pat is about work, winning and the state of Washington. He is someone who is extremely knowledgeable and on the cutting edge of the new frontier of college football. Most of all, he is a proven winner. He knows what it takes to compete and win consistently at the highest levels. And he brings intimate knowledge of the Big Ten from his time at Ohio State. I look forward to sharing ideas together, to learning together, to winning together and to bringing multiple championship trophies to Montlake together,” Washington head coach Jedd Fisch stated in a release.
READ: SEC’s 2025 schedule format features 8-game conference slate
Chun also worked at Ohio State from 1997-2012 elevating as high as Executive Associate Athletics Director. After the Buckeyes Chun led Florida Atlantic for five-plus years.
“Pat has a track record of success and a wealth of experience – from 15 years in the Big Ten and service on national groups guiding the future of college sports, to securing community support and a commitment to the well-being of student-athletes. He knows our state, is highly respected in national athletics circles and has an eye for talent. I’m so happy he’ll be joining us to lead UW Athletics into the future,” Washington University President Ana Mari Cauce stated in a release.
