University of Arizona Extends Athletic Director’s Contract Amidst Notable Achievements
The University of Arizona has announced the extension of Desireé Reed-Francois’ contract as the R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics, ensuring her leadership continues through March 2, 2032. This decision reflects the university’s recognition of her significant contributions since her return in 2024.
“Desireé Reed-Francois has established a standard at Arizona Athletics that is remarkable in every measure, from historic competitive achievements to outstanding academic performance and record fundraising,” stated President Suresh Garimella. “We are delighted she will continue in her leadership role. She and the coaching and athletics staff have made this department a source of pride for our entire university community, and we are fortunate to have her fostering this culture of excellence and integrity for our student-athletes.”
As a 1997 alumna of the U of A’s James E. Rogers College of Law, Reed-Francois has overseen a transformative period for Arizona Athletics. “I am honored to continue serving the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics,” she expressed. “Collectively, we understand the power of Arizona Athletics and what it means to our campus, our community and our alumni around the world. We will continue to pursue championships, graduate future leaders and make Wildcat Nation proud.”
The university’s athletic teams have achieved unprecedented success under her leadership. Notably, Arizona won the Big 12 Commissioner’s Cup for the first time in its history this past July. The 2025-26 school year was particularly successful, with the men’s basketball team reaching the NCAA Final Four and the women’s triathlon team winning its second consecutive Women’s Collegiate National Championship. Additionally, the Wildcats secured Big 12 titles in men’s basketball and tennis, while the men’s golf team reached the NCAA Final Four. Football achieved nine wins, clinched the Territorial Cup, and earned a Holiday Bowl spot. Other sports, such as women’s track and field and volleyball, also reached significant milestones.
Beyond the field, Arizona’s student-athletes have excelled academically, setting a new semester GPA record with a 3.413 average in the spring of 2026. The university recorded a Graduation Success Rate of 92% and saw 12 programs achieve a perfect NCAA Academic Progress Rate score of 1,000. Community service involvement surpassed 3,300 hours, and postgraduate employment rose from 74% in spring 2023 to 95% by fall 2025.
Fundraising efforts have also seen remarkable success, with over $87 million secured in venue naming rights and $46 million raised through the Wildcat Club, surpassing previous records. Enhancements to the fan experience have been a priority, with upgrades to Casino Del Sol Stadium and McKale Center at ALKEME Arena, expanded premium seating for football, and improved gameday atmospheres across venues.
Reed-Francois has been instrumental in the Bear Down Blueprint project, which focuses on strategic investment and revenue generation to bolster the department’s financial stability. Her previous roles include serving as Director of Athletics at UNLV and the University of Missouri, where she earned the 2023-24 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year title. Her extensive experience also includes leadership positions at Virginia Tech, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Tennessee. A former student-athlete at UCLA, she holds a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor from Arizona and is a member of The State Bar of California.
Reed-Francois, along with her husband Josh and their son Jackson, a 2026 Arizona graduate and men’s basketball letterwinner, continues to make a significant impact on the university’s athletic and academic community.
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