Villanova University Appoints Eric Roedl as New Athletic Director
VILLANOVA, Pa. (November 19, 2024) – Villanova University has announced the appointment of Eric Roedl as the new Vice President and Director of Athletics. Roedl, who has been serving as the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Oregon, will begin his new role at Villanova in early January 2025. He succeeds Mark Jackson, who moved to Northwestern University after a nine-year tenure.
University President the Reverend Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, expressed confidence in Roedl’s ability to lead, stating, “When we began our search, we were looking for an individual who understands our Augustinian mission, who is able to successfully navigate the changing landscape of college athletics and who possesses the necessary skills to build on our legacy of success—athletically, academically, and administratively—well into the future. Eric quickly stood out among a very talented group of candidates as a leader with a breadth of experience, vision and deep commitment to student-athletes. We are thrilled to welcome Eric, his wife, Nicole, and their sons, EJ, Ryan and Jake.”
Roedl, a Villanova alumnus and former student-athlete, expressed his gratitude and vision for the future, saying, “I would like to thank President Father Peter Donohue, the search committee, and the Villanova community for entrusting me to lead Villanova Athletics. As a Villanova alum and former student-athlete, it is an honor to return to my alma mater. My vision is to collaborate with University leadership, the Villanova community, our coaches, staff, and student-athletes to maintain a championship culture throughout the athletic department that places the highest value on student-athlete experience and success and strives to match and promote the excellence of Villanova in everything we do.”
Boasting over 25 years in collegiate sports, Roedl has accumulated extensive experience in managing sports programs and related operations. His tenure at the University of Oregon included overseeing the flagship football program, along with basketball, baseball, and tennis. Roedl played a crucial role in managing a $145M athletic program and generating over $60M annually through external operations like ticket sales and marketing.
Roedl’s contributions extend beyond individual institutions, having served on the Pac-12 Football and Men’s Basketball Working Groups and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis Committee. He also held the position of president of the College Athletics Business Management Association (CABMA).
Rob Mullens, Oregon’s athletic director, praised the decision, noting, “Congratulations Villanova on an outstanding hire as your next athletic director. Eric, Nicole and the boys have a genuine passion for Villanova. Eric has played a key role over many years in the Oregon Athletics success. Eric brings strong leadership, a commitment to the student-athlete experience and a competitive spirit to Villanova. The Wildcats have a bright future with Eric Roedl at the helm.”
Before his role at Oregon, Roedl contributed to Temple University for over eight years, where his responsibilities included overseeing the football, men’s basketball, and baseball programs, as well as managing business operations and external affairs. His career also includes roles at the College of William & Mary and Ernst & Young.
A 1997 graduate of Villanova with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Roedl also holds a Master of Sports Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from the College of William & Mary. Alongside his wife Nicole, also a Villanova alum, he is the proud parent of three sons.
Parker Executive Search facilitated the recruitment process, with a committee comprising board members, alumni, and faculty ensuring a thorough selection.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ERIC
Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning shared his excitement, “I couldn’t be more thrilled for Eric and his wife, Nicole, and their boys for the next chapter in their life at Villanova. I’ve been fortunate enough to work closely with Eric and our football team the last three years here at Oregon and can say with confidence that Villanova is getting an all-star.”
Oregon head men’s basketball coach Dana Altman remarked, “Eric has worked closely with our basketball program for the past 12 years and we are going to miss his leadership and support. Nicole and Eric have a wonderful family! They will be missed by the Ducks but will be a tremendous addition to the Villanova community.”
Former Temple athletic director Bill Bradshaw added, “There is not a more talented, capable or proven athletic administrator, at any level, than Eric Roedl. Kudos to Villanova for this brilliant hire and congrats to Eric, a former Wildcat student-athlete, for coming back home. All of us who had the pleasure of working with Eric are very proud of our dear friend and wish him and his beautiful family every success.”
About Villanova Athletics: Villanova University boasts a long legacy of athletic and academic excellence. Its athletics department includes 24 varsity sports, engaging more than 600 student-athletes in pursuit of superior performance and educational achievement.
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