Here's what OU football coach Brent Venables and others said about new Sooners athletic director Roger Denny.
NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma named Roger Denny as its new athletic director on Friday.
Denny, who has served as Illinois' deputy AD and chief operating officer for the past four years, brings to Norman longtime legal experience with nearly 15 years as an attorney. He arrived at Illinois in 2021 from the St. Louis office of national law from Spencer Fane LLP, where he had been a partner since 2015.
He replaces Joe Castiglione, who will assume the role of AD emeritus.
While Denny has only worked at an institution for four years, he's represented programs, athletes and coaches for years.
OU president Joseph Harroz Jr., chair and special advisor to the president Randall Stephenson and Denny released statements on Friday, but a flurry of statements from coach Brent Venables and others were released on Saturday.
Here's what some of the most important figures around the Sooners' orbit, as well as Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, said about the hire:
OU football coach Brent Venables
"I'm extremely confident Roger's extensive background in law and highly accomplished time as Deputy AD and COO at the University of Illinois have prepared him for this outstanding opportunity to lead the OU Athletics Department, and I couldn't be more enthusiastic about his hiring. He is more than ready to help us navigate this rapidly changing college sports landscape and keep us positioned for success now and in the future.
"I've heard nothing but great things about his approach to his work, how intelligent he is, how he interacts with others and how committed he is to winning."
OU general manager Jim Nagy
"On behalf of Sooner Football, we are excited about the appointment of Roger Denny as the new leader of OU Athletics. We trust the process and vision that led President Harroz, Randall Stephenson, and the Board of Regents to this exciting hire. The college football landscape is constantly evolving and Roger is the type of adaptive innovator that will allow our program to maintain the expected level of excellence.”
OU athletic director Joe Castiglione
"I welcome Roger and look forward to getting to know him better. I know he will come to love working with the most dedicated and talented group of coaches and staff in the country — all focused on our highest priority of developing our athletes and relentlessly carrying out our bold vision to position OU for success across all sports. He will also find the greatest fan base in America and experience the power of everyone working together in pursuit of continued growth and competitiveness for OU as one of college athletics’ most influential brands."
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman
"The University of Oklahoma has found a visionary new leader in Roger Denny. At Illinois, he has lifted our program to new heights through his tireless work ethic, competitive fire, and breadth of experience. His decision-making is informed by a creative, thoughtful, and disciplined strategy — which is needed to excel in the dynamic world of college sports. We will miss having Roger in the Orange & Blue, but I am excited to have him as a peer and a colleague, and I am glad that his voice will be prominent as we work together to chart a course for the future of inter-collegiate athletics."
Former OU women's basketball coach Sherri Coale
"Roger's eclectic experience both inside and outside of collegiate athletics gives him a unique foundation from which to lead our athletics department. He's clearly a strategic thinker, an astute problem solver and a skilled manager of change. But it is his conviction about the purpose and value of athletics in higher education that left an indelible mark.
"He cares deeply about kids and coaches and is energized by the opportunity to play a key role in building and championing a system that serves multiple stakeholders while prioritizing student-athlete growth and well-being."
Former OU football coach Bob Stoops
"I've been incredibly impressed with Roger Denny's background and experience. And when you examine everything he's achieved — with his strong legal background and all he's been involved with at Illinois in this new era of college athletics — you understand he doesn't just have experience. He has really good experience. He's touched so many areas with the Illini and in a really positive way.
"I'm good friends with their football coach, Bret Bielema, who called me on the day of their bowl game to tell me all the reasons Roger would be good for us at OU. I think he's ready for the opportunity and will flourish here. I'm excited to welcome him to the OU family."
Former OU quarterback Sam Bradford
"I’m excited to welcome Roger Denny to the University of Oklahoma. Roger brings a rare skill set, with proven success in the legal world, in college athletics and in navigating complex contract negotiations. In today’s landscape, that kind of experience creates real opportunities for our student-athletes. He approaches every challenge thoughtfully, with integrity and a big-picture perspective, and I’m confident he’s going to make a meaningful impact at OU and help move the university forward."
Colton Sulley covers the Oklahoma Sooners for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Colton? He can be reached at [email protected] or on X/Twitter at @colton_sulley. Support Colton's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: What OU football's Brent Venables, others said about AD Roger Denny
Category: General Sports
