NFL Exec Roman Oben Leaves for SEC Role

Oben to serve as SEC's associate commissioner for football.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Roman Oben, the NFL's VP of football development, has been named the SEC's new associate commissioner for football. Oben, who played 12 seasons in the NFL, will take on a key leadership role in growing SEC football through campus engagement and innovative operational strategies.

Why it matters

Oben's move from the NFL to the SEC represents a high-profile talent acquisition for the conference, as it looks to strengthen its national influence and long-term success in college football. His combination of elite football experience and high-level sports business leadership is seen as a valuable asset.

The details

In his new role, Oben will work closely with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and other conference leadership to advance the SEC's football priorities. This includes aligning with institutional priorities, supporting coaches and student-athletes, and driving innovative operational strategies to grow the game.

  • Oben was named the SEC's associate commissioner for football on February 12, 2026.

The players

Roman Oben

Former NFL VP of football development who has been named the SEC's new associate commissioner for football.

Greg Sankey

Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

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What they’re saying

“Roman Oben brings a rare combination of elite football experience and high-level sports-business leadership, with more than 15 years serving in senior executive and board roles across professional football, collegiate athletics, and global sport development. Roman is well-positioned to grow SEC football through campus engagement and innovative operational strategies, and he will play a central role in advancing the SEC's national influence and long-term success in college football.”

— Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner (nbcsports.com)

“Joining the SEC is an incredible honor. The tradition, competition and passion of SEC football are unmatched, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve its coaches, administrators, and student-athletes. I look forward to working with Commissioner Sankey, Charlie Hussey and the outstanding leadership within this conference to strengthen alignment, support institutional priorities, and advance the game with integrity, clarity. and purpose.”

— Roman Oben (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

Oben is expected to begin his new role with the SEC in the coming weeks, ahead of the 2026 college football season.

The takeaway

Oben's move from the NFL to the SEC represents a significant talent acquisition for the conference as it looks to strengthen its national influence and long-term success in college football. His combination of elite football experience and high-level sports business leadership is seen as a valuable asset that will help drive innovation and growth for SEC football.