The University of Wisconsin’s athletic director is moving on. The State Journal and Sports Business Journal report Chris McIntosh will become deputy commissioner for strategy at the Big Ten. An All-American standout in the Badgers’ offensive line in the late nineties, McIntosh was named UW athletic director in 2021 following the retirement of Barry Alvarez. His first major move was firing head football coach Paul Chryst in 2022 and hiring University of Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell, bypassing interim coach and Badger alum Jim Leonhard. Fickell’s 16-21 record in his three seasons at Wisconsin has led to criticism of both the coach and the leadership of the athletic department.
UW Athletic Director moving on
By Courtney Chaffee
Apr 13, 2026 | 5:22 PM



