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OU Students Optimistic About New Athletic Director Roger Denny
Denny takes over after longtime AD Joe Castiglione's departure
Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:07pm
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After the University of Oklahoma announced Roger Denny as its new Athletic Director, OU students expressed optimism about the future of the school's athletics program under Denny's leadership. Denny was introduced to the Sooner Nation in a press conference, where he emphasized his excitement to be at OU and work with the university's staff, coaches, and athletes.
Why it matters
OU has a strong tradition of athletic excellence, and the Athletic Director role is crucial in maintaining that standard. Denny's hiring represents a pivotal transition as he takes over for the long-serving Joe Castiglione, who is leaving a significant legacy behind.
The details
Denny, who previously served as the Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Illinois, was selected after a year-long search process. In his introductory press conference, Denny expressed his enthusiasm for the OU job, stating 'It's Oklahoma, there's only one of these, and the more I'm around the people, the more you realize just how unique this place is.' Over the next few weeks, Denny plans to gather input from OU's staff, coaches, and athletes as he prepares to lead the athletics department.
- Roger Denny was introduced as the new OU Athletic Director on January 29, 2026.
- Joe Castiglione will stay with the university until 2028 to ensure a smooth transition.
The players
Roger Denny
The new Athletic Director of the University of Oklahoma, previously serving as the Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Illinois.
Joe Castiglione
The outgoing Athletic Director of the University of Oklahoma, leaving a powerful legacy behind.
Joseph Harroz Jr.
The President of the University of Oklahoma, who expressed confidence in Denny's hiring.
Jake Kreul
An OU freshman who believes the university will maintain its high standard of athletics under Denny's leadership.
Lauren Carter
An OU sophomore who is interested to see how Denny will navigate the school's current winning streak.
What they’re saying
“I think OU has a very high standard when it comes to athletics, and we're going to keep pushing that standard.”
— Jake Kreul, OU Freshman
“I think the pivot will be interesting, since OU's on a really good winning streak right now.”
— Lauren Carter, OU Sophomore
“I've been asked a few times, why Oklahoma? To me, that's the easy question I'll get all day. It's Oklahoma, there's only one of these, and the more I'm around the people, the more you realize just how unique this place is.”
— Roger Denny
What’s next
Over the next few weeks, Denny said he plans to get input from OU's staff, coaches, and athletes as he prepares to lead the athletics department.
The takeaway
Denny's hiring represents an exciting new chapter for OU athletics, as the university looks to maintain its strong tradition of success under new leadership. OU students are optimistic about Denny's vision and his ability to build upon the legacy left by his predecessor, Joe Castiglione.
