OU Athletic Director Joe Castiglione Retires After 28 Years

Head coach Porter Moser reflects on his 5-year friendship with the outgoing AD as Castiglione departs with a Sooners victory.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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After 28 years as the athletic director at the University of Oklahoma, Joe Castiglione officially stepped down from his role on Saturday. Castiglione's final day was marked by a Sooners men's basketball victory over Georgia, as well as a literal fire that broke out in the Lloyd Noble Center. OU head coach Porter Moser expressed gratitude for his 5-year friendship with Castiglione, calling him a "friend" and saying he gave him a "big hug" after the game. Other OU sports programs, including softball and baseball, also secured wins to send off Castiglione on a high note.

Why it matters

Castiglione's retirement marks the end of an era for OU athletics, as he oversaw the department for nearly three decades and presided over numerous national championships and memorable moments. His departure ushers in a new era under incoming athletic director Roger Denny, who praised Castiglione's remarkable career and legacy.

The details

In his final game as OU athletic director, Castiglione was on hand to witness the men's basketball team overcome a halftime deficit to defeat Georgia 94-78. During the game, a fire broke out in the upper concourse of the Lloyd Noble Center, but Moser said Castiglione was "doing what Joe does - taking care of things" and was "running behind the scorers' table" to address the situation. Other OU sports programs, including softball and baseball, also secured wins in Castiglione's final 24 hours on the job.

  • Castiglione's last day as OU athletic director was on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Moser and Castiglione have had a 5-year friendship during Moser's tenure as OU's head basketball coach.

The players

Joe Castiglione

The outgoing athletic director at the University of Oklahoma, who is retiring after 28 years in the role.

Porter Moser

The head coach of the OU men's basketball team, who has had a 5-year friendship with the retiring athletic director Castiglione.

Roger Denny

The newly introduced athletic director at the University of Oklahoma, who will be taking over the role from the retiring Castiglione.

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What they’re saying

“It was really cool seeing him there in his red coat. I just said on the radio he was the first person I saw when I saw the fire. He was doing what Joe does – taking care of things. He was running behind the scorers' table. I bet you he was thinking the same thing, really, my last day, and there is an inferno at the LNC? No, he's a friend and gave him a big hug.”

— Porter Moser, Head Coach, OU Men's Basketball (on3.com)

What’s next

Sunday marks the initial day of the Roger Denny era as the new OU athletic director, as he takes over the role from the retiring Joe Castiglione.

The takeaway

Castiglione's retirement after 28 years as OU's athletic director marks the end of an era for the university's athletics program. His legacy includes numerous national championships and memorable moments, and he is being praised for leaving the department in a better state than he found it. The transition to new AD Roger Denny will be an important one as OU looks to continue its athletic success under new leadership.