UW to hire WSU's Pat Chun as new AD

Director of Athletics Pat Chun discusses WSU's next moves following Pac-12 splinter

Washington State University and Oregon State University appear to be the big losers in the destabilization of the Pac-12 that’s bordering on complete collapse.

SEATTLE - The University of Washington is hiring rival Washington State University's Pat Chun as the school's new athletic director.

ESPN's Pete Thamel first reported on Tuesday that the university was finalizing a six-year deal to hire Chun.

UW confirmed the hire later on Tuesday.

"Pat has a track record of success and a wealth of experience – from 15 years in the Big Ten and service on national groups guiding the future of college sports, to securing community support and a commitment to the well-being of student-athletes. He knows our state, is highly respected in national athletics circles and has an eye for talent. I’m so happy he’ll be joining us to lead UW Athletics into the future," said UW President Ana Mari Cauce.

Chun has been the athletic director at Washington State since 2018, and he will be replacing Troy Dannen, who left Washington after more than five months to oversee the University of Nebraska's Athletic Department.

The departure of Dannen, President Ana Marie Cauce named Erin O'Connell – the school's Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer – as interim director. Earlier this week, Washington hired Utah State's Danny Sprinkle as the new head basketball coach to replace Mike Hopkins.

Under Chun's leadership at Washington State, ten Cougar programs have made NCAA Tournament appearances and the Cougars have won six Pac-12 Conference Championships.

WSU President Kirk Schulz thanked Chun for his service and said a national search will begin immediately.