Wisconsin Badgers AD Search: What We Know About the Hunt for Chris McIntosh’s Replacement

MADISON – The search for the next leader of Wisconsin Badgers athletics has officially entered its second month, and the fog of uncertainty is beginning to lift. One month after Chris McIntosh shocked the college sports world by stepping down to become the Big Ten’s deputy commissioner for strategy, the University of Wisconsin has moved with deliberate speed to outline a clear path forward. The clock is ticking, but the process is taking shape.

On May 12, roughly four weeks after McIntosh’s resignation, UW announced the formation of a search firm, a nine-person search committee, and a specific timeline for making a hire. Interim athletic director Marcus Sedberry addressed reporters on April 23, offering early insight into the administration’s priorities. Now, as the Badgers prepare to make only their third athletic director hire in more than three decades, here is a comprehensive breakdown of what we know—and what remains unanswered.

The Search Committee: A Powerhouse of Badger Legends

Wisconsin’s decision to stack the search committee with decorated alumni and former athletes is a loud signal that the university values institutional DNA and proven leadership. The nine-person committee is not just a rubber-stamp panel; it includes heavy hitters from the professional sports world who understand high-stakes decision-making.

• Chris Ballard – General manager of the Indianapolis Colts. Ballard’s NFL expertise in roster construction, salary cap management, and organizational culture is directly transferable to a major college athletic department facing the new era of revenue sharing and NIL.
• Michael Finley – Co-interim general manager of the Dallas Mavericks. A former Wisconsin basketball star, Finley brings a sharp eye for talent evaluation and front-office dynamics.
• Meghan Duggan – Director of player development for the New Jersey Devils. A three-time Olympic medalist in hockey and a UW alumna, Duggan represents the intersection of elite performance and administrative growth.
• Additional committee members include campus administrators, faculty representatives, and current student-athletes, ensuring a broad perspective that balances athletic excellence with academic integrity.

The inclusion of Ballard, Finley, and Duggan is particularly telling. These are not ceremonial appointments; each has navigated complex organizational rebuilds. Ballard, for instance, has rebuilt the Colts’ roster multiple times. Finley has helped steer the Mavericks through a tumultuous season. Duggan has been a vocal advocate for women’s sports and player welfare. Their collective presence suggests UW is looking for a candidate who can handle pressure, scrutiny, and rapid change.

Timeline and Process: What to Expect in the Coming Weeks

The search firm—reportedly a national executive search group with deep ties to intercollegiate athletics—was retained immediately after the committee’s formation. While the university has not disclosed the specific firm’s name, sources indicate it has successfully placed ADs at multiple Power Four programs in the last two cycles.

The timeline, as outlined on May 12, calls for a targeted hire before the start of the 2025 football season. That window is aggressive but achievable. Here is a projected roadmap:

• Late May to mid-June: Confidential candidate identification and initial vetting. The search firm will likely approach sitting athletic directors, high-ranking conference officials, and top-tier deputy ADs at elite programs.
• Late June to early July: Formal interviews with a shortlist of 4-6 candidates. These will include closed-door sessions with the committee, campus tours, and meetings with key stakeholders like Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin.
• Mid-July: Finalist presentations and reference checks. Expect a public announcement by late July or early August.

One key variable is Sedberry’s role. As interim AD, he has kept the department running smoothly, but he has not been publicly identified as a candidate for the permanent job. If Sedberry is not in the final mix, the search will focus on external hires with a track record of managing budgets, fundraising, and facility upgrades.

What the Badgers Need: The Candidate Profile

Wisconsin is not your typical Power Four opening. The Badgers have a tradition of stability—only two athletic directors in the last 30 years (Pat Richter and Barry Alvarez) before McIntosh. That longevity has fostered a culture of competitive excellence but also created a sense of insularity. The next AD must balance respect for tradition with a willingness to modernize.

Key priorities for the new hire:

• NIL and Revenue Sharing: With the House v. NCAA settlement looming, Wisconsin must have an AD who can navigate the new world of direct revenue sharing with athletes. The next leader must be a fundraising machine who can keep the Badgers competitive in the Big Ten arms race.
• Football Stability: Luke Fickell is entering his third season as head coach. The AD must support Fickell’s vision while ensuring resources flow to the program. A strong working relationship with the football staff is non-negotiable.
• Facility Upgrades: Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center are aging. The next AD will need to spearhead major renovation projects or risk falling behind Big Ten rivals like Oregon, USC, and Ohio State.
• Olympic Sports Success: Wisconsin is a powerhouse in hockey, wrestling, and track. The new AD must protect those programs while also investing in women’s sports growth.

Experts believe the ideal candidate will have Power Five conference experience, a proven fundraising record, and a calm demeanor in crisis situations. McIntosh was praised for his steady hand during the COVID-19 pandemic; his successor must be equally resilient in the face of ongoing NCAA upheaval.

Predictions and Expert Analysis: Who Will Get the Job?

While the committee has kept its list of candidates under wraps, several logical names have emerged in industry chatter. Here is a breakdown of the most likely scenarios:

The “Home Run” Hire: A sitting athletic director from a peer institution. Names like Heather Lyke (recently fired at Pitt) or Mack Rhoades (Baylor) have been floated, though both come with baggage. Lyke oversaw impressive facility growth but struggled with football consistency. Rhoades has deep Texas ties but may not want to move north.

The “Rising Star” Hire: A deputy AD from a top-tier program. Candidates like Mike Waddell (Georgia’s executive AD) or Mitch McLeod (Tennessee’s deputy AD) have the operational chops but lack the CEO experience. This would be a risk, but Wisconsin has a history of promoting from within or taking calculated chances.

The “Badger Royalty” Hire: A former Wisconsin athlete currently in sports leadership. Chris Ballard is the most obvious name, but he has never worked in college athletics. Michael Finley is another possibility, though his NBA focus may not translate. Meghan Duggan has the pedigree but lacks the fundraising and budget management experience required for a $150 million enterprise.

My expert prediction: The committee will prioritize proven administrative experience over flashy names. I expect a hire from the Power Five deputy or sitting Group of Five AD pool. A candidate like Mark Harlan (Utah AD) or Jennifer Cohen (former Washington AD, now at USC) would be dream hires, but both are likely out of reach. Look for a savvy, mid-major AD who has successfully navigated a school through conference realignment—someone like Bubba Cunningham (North Carolina) or Derrick Gragg (former Michigan deputy).

Conclusion: The Stakes Have Never Been Higher

The Wisconsin Badgers are at a crossroads. The Big Ten is evolving into a super-conference with massive revenue disparities, while the NCAA’s governance model is crumbling. The next athletic director will inherit a department that is financially stable but facing existential questions about competitive relevance, brand value, and student-athlete welfare.

The search committee’s composition—featuring legends like Ballard, Finley, and Duggan—suggests that UW is serious about finding a leader who can bridge the gap between tradition and transformation. The timeline is tight, but the university has a clear roadmap.

One month after McIntosh’s departure, fewer question marks remain. The search firm is working, the committee is meeting, and the candidates are being vetted. By the time the leaves turn in Madison, a new athletic director will be in place—ready to write the next chapter of Badgers history.

Stay tuned. The next few weeks will define Wisconsin athletics for a generation.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.