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Kansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff as the new athletic director, the school said on Monday.
Goff, a Sunflower State native who graduated from KU, said it was a pleasure to return to Lawrence, Kansas, in what he called “one of the most humiliating responsibilities and opportunities in the world. university athletics “.
“Our objective will remain focused on promoting the academic, social and athletic development of our student-athletes; support our coaches and talented staff; connect with alumni and donors; and, most importantly, building a culture that allows 16 proud programs to compete for Big 12 Conference and National Championships while representing our department, our institution and our community, ”he said in a statement.
Goff has been at Northwestern since 2012, most recently as Assistant Athletic Director and Assistant Vice President for Development. He was instrumental in the fundraising that led to massive facility upgrades at Northwestern and oversaw the football, baseball, and volleyball programs.
Kansas has been on the hunt for a sporting director since Jeff Long resigned nearly a month ago.
Long was responsible for hiring the Miles, with whom the school split amid allegations of sexual misconduct dating back to the football coach’s time at LSU. Long initially said he would lead the search for Miles’ replacement, but criticism of the due diligence he exercised in hiring his longtime friend, coupled with a massive public outcry, led to his decision to to resign.
“Travis stood out among the nominees because of his experience, reputation as a man of integrity and his demonstrated ability to connect with faculty, staff, alumni and donors,” said Chancellor of KU, Douglas Girod, in a statement. “I am particularly impressed with Travis’ vision for KU. Travis understands the challenges we face and the changing landscape of college athletics. At the same time, he is well positioned to help us build on our recent successes in student-athlete health, diversity and inclusion, and student-athlete academic success. The fact that he’s Jayhawk is an added bonus and will undoubtedly serve him well as he takes Kansas Athletics forward. “
Goff’s first big task will be figuring out what to do with a football program that is already undergoing spring training under the direction of coach Emmett Jones, who was chosen to serve as interim coach last month.
The underdog Jayhawks lost all nine of their games last season. They haven’t had a winning season since Mark Mangino was sidelined in 2008.
Goff is returning to Lawrence after working under former Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips, who left school in the Chicago suburb of Evanston earlier this year to become the Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner.
Goff grew up in Dodge City, in southwestern Kansas. In 2002, he obtained degrees in journalism and sociology, followed by an MBA from Tulane, where he worked as associate sports director for external affairs.
He is the Jayhawks’ sixth sporting director since Bob Frederick retired in 2001.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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