Wisconsin Badgers Interim AD to Earn $875,000

Marcus Sedberry's base salary revealed in offer letter obtained through public records request.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:33pm

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Marcus Sedberry will receive a base salary of $875,000 as the interim athletic director of the Wisconsin Badgers, according to an offer letter obtained through an open records request. Sedberry stepped into the interim role after the abrupt departure of previous AD Chris McIntosh, who had a $1.5 million base salary.

Why it matters

The interim AD appointment and salary details provide insight into the leadership transition at the University of Wisconsin's athletic department, which is undergoing changes at the top level of administration.

The details

Sedberry's interim AD appointment does not change any of the other terms and conditions of his previous role as UW's deputy AD and football general manager. If he does not receive the permanent AD job, his salary will revert to at least $334,805 plus any intervening pay adjustments. McIntosh's previous base salary was $1.5 million, with $1 million coming from the university and $500,000 from the UW Foundation.

  • Sedberry signed the offer letter to acknowledge and accept the interim AD role on April 12, 2026.
  • McIntosh's contract was set to run through June 30, 2029.

The players

Marcus Sedberry

The interim athletic director of the Wisconsin Badgers, previously serving as the deputy AD and football general manager.

Chris McIntosh

The former Wisconsin Badgers athletic director who departed abruptly to take a job at the Big Ten Conference office as deputy commissioner for strategy.

Jennifer Mnookin

The University of Wisconsin-Madison chancellor who will soon leave to become the next president at Columbia University.

Eric Wilcots

The soon-to-be interim chancellor who will oversee the search for McIntosh's permanent replacement.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate your willingness to take on this important leadership role and your continued service to UW-Madison. I am confident that you will have the full support of campus leadership as you guide the Division during this interim period.”

— Jennifer Mnookin, University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor

“I did not think it would be wise to make any wholesale shifts or changes right now in the interim role.”

— Marcus Sedberry, Wisconsin Badgers Interim Athletic Director

What’s next

A thorough national search will be undertaken to find a permanent replacement for the Wisconsin Badgers athletic director position, with more details on the process expected in the near future.

The takeaway

The interim appointment and salary details for Marcus Sedberry provide a glimpse into the leadership transition happening within the Wisconsin Badgers athletic department, as the university seeks to find a permanent replacement for the previous AD Chris McIntosh.