Houston Moves On from Athletic Director Chris Pezman

HOUSTON — The University of Houston announced on Thursday that it is parting ways with Athletic Director Chris Pezman. Pezman, a former Cougars football player, has held the position for over six years.

Raymond Bartlett, Houston’s senior vice president for administration and finance, will serve as the interim athletic director while the search for Pezman’s replacement begins immediately. University President Renu Khator cited “a paradigm shift” in college athletics as a catalyst for the decision.

“Chris Pezman has ushered our athletics program through a period of incredible transformation, and we are grateful for his leadership over the past six years,” Khator said in the release. “He has been a pivotal part of our entry into the Big 12 Conference and championed the success of student-athletes on the field and in the classroom. This was a necessary decision as we navigate a paradigm shift in collegiate athletics. I want to thank Chris for his dedication to UH and our student-athletes. On behalf of the University, I wish Chris and his family the very best.”

Just yesterday, Pezman was quoted by Houston Chronicle reporter Joseph Duarte on X, updating the crowd on the various improvements being made to the facilities. “Spread the moment. This is a great time to be a Cougar,” Pezman said.

After graduating, Pezman stayed actively engaged with his alma mater, earning his master’s degree from UH in 1995. He initially worked as a graduate assistant coach (1993-94) while pursuing his postgraduate studies. Subsequently, he served as an assistant to the director of athletics for two years. Pezman was elevated to Assistant Athletics Director for Operations, where he was involved with facility scheduling and facility management. In 2017, the University tapped Pezman for the Athletic Director position.

In addition to playing with 1989 Heisman Trophy winner Andre Ware, Pezman helped lead UH to a 10-1 record in 1990 and won the team’s Wilson Whitley “Fighting Heart” Award as a captain in 1992.

The University of Houston will now focus on finding a new leader as a national search is underway. UH is poised to begin its second year in the Big 12, which will also mark the conference's first season with the new additions of Arizona, Arizona State, and Utah, as well as the return of Colorado.

Ref:

Chris Pezman | Lead1 Association. https://lead1association.com/people/chris-pezman/