Oklahoma Approves 4-Year Contract for New AD Roger Denny

Denny will take over for longtime Sooners AD Joe Castiglione, who is stepping into an emeritus role.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 2:07pm

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The Oklahoma Board of Regents has approved a 4-year, $5 million contract for Roger Denny, who was recently introduced as the Sooners' new athletics director. Denny, who previously served as deputy athletics director at Illinois, will officially begin his role on February 15 and take over for longtime AD Joe Castiglione, who is stepping down after nearly 28 years.

Why it matters

Denny's hiring represents a significant transition for the Oklahoma athletics department, as he takes over for the long-tenured Castiglione. As a former lawyer with extensive experience in college athletics business operations, Denny is seen as the "prototype for the modern athletic director" who can help guide the Sooners through the evolving landscape of college sports.

The details

Denny's initial 4-year contract with Oklahoma runs through June 2029 and includes a base salary of $1.25 million per year, with potential for merit-based raises and performance bonuses. At Illinois, Denny oversaw a nearly $200 million annual budget and played a central role in the school's NIL strategy, fundraising, facilities planning, and contract negotiations.

  • Denny's contract will officially begin on February 15, 2026.
  • Denny was introduced as Oklahoma's new athletics director on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
  • The Oklahoma Board of Regents voted to approve Denny's contract on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Roger Denny

The new athletics director at the University of Oklahoma, who previously served as the deputy athletics director at the University of Illinois.

Joe Castiglione

The longtime athletics director at the University of Oklahoma, who is stepping down after nearly 28 years in the role and transitioning to an emeritus position.

Joseph Harroz Jr.

The president of the University of Oklahoma, who praised Denny as the "prototype for the modern athletic director" and said the school is "thrilled he's here, and we can't wait for him to get started."

Josh Whitman

The athletics director at the University of Illinois, where Denny previously served as the deputy athletics director.

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What they’re saying

“When we talk about… a prototype for the modern athletic director, as you look not as his initial qualifications but deeply into the skills that he has and the work he's done, we believe Roger is the absolute right person at this right moment in sports at the University of Oklahoma.”

— Joseph Harroz Jr., University of Oklahoma President

What’s next

Denny will officially begin his role as Oklahoma's athletics director on February 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Denny's hiring represents a significant transition for the Oklahoma athletics department, as he brings a unique blend of legal expertise and college sports business experience to help guide the Sooners through the evolving landscape of college athletics. His appointment signals Oklahoma's commitment to modernizing its athletics operations and positioning the department for long-term success.