San Francisco, CA, January 8, 2026
Rick Hart, the former athletic director at Southern Methodist University, has been appointed as the Senior Vice President and Deputy Commissioner of the Pac-12 Conference, effective January 12, 2026. His appointment comes as the conference prepares for a significant expansion in the 2026-27 season. Hart will oversee various operations and aims to enhance competitive opportunities while fostering student-athlete engagement and compliance. His previous experience at SMU and other institutions positions him to navigate the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics effectively.
Rick Hart Joins Pac-12 as Deputy Commissioner Amid Expansion
New leadership marks a pivotal moment for the conference
San Francisco, CA – The landscape of collegiate athletics is changing, and the Pac-12 Conference is making strategic moves to stay ahead. Rick Hart, the former athletic director at Southern Methodist University (SMU), has been appointed as the Pac-12’s Senior Vice President and Deputy Commissioner, with his official start date set for January 12, 2026. Hart’s appointment comes at a crucial time as the conference prepares for significant expansion and aims to enhance its leadership during this transformative phase.
In his new role, Hart will be responsible for overseeing daily operations of the conference, which includes managing essential areas such as football, basketball, Olympic sports, compliance, governance, video operations, and student-athlete engagement. His extensive background in athletic administration will support the Pac-12’s mission to deliver value to its member institutions and improve competitive opportunities.
Rick Hart’s Distinguished Career
During his tenure at SMU from 2012 to 2025, Hart successfully navigated the Mustangs through significant challenges and achievements, including a transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and their inaugural appearance in the College Football Playoff. This experience positions Hart well to understand the dynamics of athletics in a highly competitive environment.
Prior to his time at SMU, Hart held leadership roles at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the University of Oklahoma, and the University of North Carolina. He was also involved in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, demonstrating his versatility in the sports sector. Recently, he had taken on a role with Altius Sports Partners as a Senior Advisor before this significant career move.
Expanding the Pac-12: A Strategic Vision
The Pac-12 Conference is gearing up for expansion beginning in the 2026-27 season, with institutions like Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State, and Utah State poised to join. This expansion aims to enhance the competitive landscape of the conference, and Hart’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding this growth.
Significance of Leadership in Athletic Administration
As the Pac-12 works to strengthen its position in the realm of college athletics, the appointment of Rick Hart signals a commitment to strong leadership and innovative strategies. The conference, known for its rich athletic traditions, stands to benefit from his proven ability to manage complex challenges and deliver results for student-athletes and member schools alike.
Teresa Gould, the Pac-12 Commissioner, expressed confidence that Hart’s experience will align with the conference’s values and vision for the future, ensuring continued growth and success through collaboration with athletic directors across the league.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
As Hart prepares to take the reins, he emphasizes the opportunity to not only strengthen competitive opportunities but also to enhance the brands of Pac-12 institutions. His strategy will likely focus on fostering student-athlete engagement and ensuring compliance amidst changing regulations in college athletics.
The scope of Hart’s responsibilities will be significant, but with his extensive background and a clear vision for the future, he is poised to make a substantial impact on the conference’s direction. His leadership may also encourage local business and community partnerships, reflecting the spirit of resilience seen in the small business sector across Texas.
Conclusion
Rick Hart’s appointment as Senior Vice President and Deputy Commissioner of the Pac-12 marks an important chapter for the conference as it embarks on an ambitious expansion plan. As he steps into this role, there are high expectations for his ability to navigate the complexities of collegiate athletics and strengthen the conference’s competitiveness. The future looks bright not only for the Pac-12 but also for the college sports landscape as a whole.
Stay engaged with our local sports community and continue supporting the advancements in collegiate athletics as we witness this exciting transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Rick Hart?
Rick Hart is the former athletic director at Southern Methodist University (SMU), serving from 2012 to 2025. He has also held positions at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the University of Oklahoma, the University of North Carolina, East Carolina University, and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Recently, he joined Altius Sports Partners as a Senior Advisor.
What is Rick Hart’s new role?
Rick Hart has been appointed as the Pac-12 Conference’s Senior Vice President and Deputy Commissioner. In this role, he will oversee daily conference operations and manage key areas such as football, basketball, Olympic sports, compliance, governance, video operations, and student-athlete engagement. He will also collaborate closely with athletic directors across the league.
When does Rick Hart start his new position?
Rick Hart will officially begin his tenure as Senior Vice President and Deputy Commissioner of the Pac-12 Conference on January 12, 2026.
What is the Pac-12 Conference’s expansion plan?
The Pac-12 Conference is expanding its membership for the 2026-27 season, with institutions such as Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State, and Utah State set to join.
What is the significance of Rick Hart’s appointment?
Rick Hart’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Pac-12 Conference’s leadership during this period of growth and expansion. His extensive experience in college athletics is expected to contribute to the conference’s success in the upcoming season.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Role | Former athletic director at Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 2012 to 2025 |
| New Role | Senior Vice President and Deputy Commissioner of the Pac-12 Conference |
| Start Date | January 12, 2026 |
| Key Responsibilities | Oversee daily conference operations, manage areas such as football, basketball, Olympic sports, compliance, governance, video operations, and student-athlete engagement, collaborate with athletic directors across the league |
| Pac-12 Expansion | Conference expanding its membership for the 2026-27 season with institutions such as Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Texas State, and Utah State set to join |
| Strategic Significance | Appointment seen as a move to strengthen the Pac-12 Conference’s leadership during its period of growth and expansion |
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