Kansas has hired Northwestern administrator Travis Goff as its new athletic director, the school announced on Monday.
Goff, a native of Sunflower State who graduated from KU, considered it a thrill to return to Lawrence, Kansas, in what he called “one of the most humble responsibilities and opportunities in college athletics.”
“Our goal will remain focused on promoting the academic, social and athletic development of our student-athletes; supporting our talented coaches and staff; connecting with alumni and donors; and, most importantly, building a culture that allows 16 Proud programs compete for the Big 12 Conference and national championships while representing our department, our institution and our community, “he said in a statement.
Goff has been with Northwestern since 2012, most recently as deputy athletic director and assistant vice president of development. He played a role in fundraising that led to major improvements to Northwestern’s facilities and oversaw the football, baseball and volleyball programs.
Kansas has been looking for a sports director since Jeff Long resigned almost a month ago.
Long was responsible for hiring Les Miles, with whom the school separated amid allegations of sexual misconduct that dated back to the time of the football coach at LSU. Long initially said he would lead the search for Miles’ replacement, but criticism of the due diligence he did in hiring his longtime friend, coupled with the massive public outcry, led to his decision to resign.
“Travis stood out among the candidates due to his experience, his reputation as a man of integrity and his demonstrated ability to connect with teachers, staff, alumni and donors,” said KU Chancellor Douglas Girod in a statement. “I am especially impressed by Travis’ vision for KU. Travis understands the challenges we face and the changes in the college athletics landscape. At the same time, he is well positioned to help us develop our recent student health successes. -athletes, diversity and inclusion, and academic achievement of the student-athlete. The fact that he is a Jayhawk is an added bonus and will undoubtedly serve him well as he takes the Kansas Athletics forward. “
Goff’s first big task will be to determine what to do with a football program that is already undergoing spring training under coach Emmett Jones, chosen to serve as interim coach last month.
The overwhelmed Jayhawks lost all nine games last season. They haven’t had a winning season since Mark Mangino was on the sideline in 2008.
Goff returns to Lawrence having worked with former Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips, who left school in the Evanston suburb of Chicago earlier this year to become commissioner for the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Goff grew up in Dodge City, in southwest Kansas. He graduated in 2002 in journalism and sociology, then obtained an MBA in Tulane, where he worked as an associate athletic director for external relations.
He is the Jayhawks’ sixth athletic director since Bob Frederick retired in 2001.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.