Wisconsin Athletic Director Steps Down

Chris McIntosh resigns after 4 years leading the Badgers' sports programs.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented forms of a college sports stadium, using bold colors to convey a sense of change and transition in the athletic department.The departure of Wisconsin's athletic director signals a transition period for the school's prominent sports programs.Madison Today

The University of Wisconsin announced that Chris McIntosh, who has served as the school's athletic director since 2022, will be stepping down from his position. McIntosh's resignation comes after a 4-year tenure overseeing the Badgers' sports programs.

Why it matters

McIntosh's departure marks a significant change in leadership for the Wisconsin athletic department, which oversees one of the most prominent college sports programs in the Big Ten Conference. His decision to step down raises questions about the future direction of Badgers athletics.

The details

In 2022, McIntosh made the controversial decision to fire the university's longtime football coach, Paul Chryst. This move was seen as a pivotal moment in McIntosh's tenure as athletic director. During his 4 years leading the department, McIntosh also oversaw the Badgers' basketball, hockey, and other sports programs.

  • Chris McIntosh was named Wisconsin's athletic director in 2022.
  • In 2022, McIntosh fired football coach Paul Chryst.
  • McIntosh announced his resignation as athletic director on April 13, 2026.

The players

Chris McIntosh

The former athletic director of the University of Wisconsin, who served in that role from 2022 to 2026.

Paul Chryst

The former head football coach of the University of Wisconsin, who was fired by McIntosh in 2022 after several successful seasons with the Badgers.

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What they’re saying

“After much consideration, I have decided that the time is right for me to step down as athletic director.”

— Chris McIntosh, Former Athletic Director, University of Wisconsin

What’s next

The University of Wisconsin will begin a search for a new athletic director to lead the school's sports programs going forward.

The takeaway

McIntosh's resignation as Wisconsin's athletic director comes at a pivotal time for the university's sports programs, raising questions about the future leadership and direction of the Badgers' athletics.