The University of Wisconsin is reportedly preparing for a major leadership transition, as athletic director Chris McIntosh is expected to leave his post and take a newly created position in the Big Ten Conference office. According to multiple reports, McIntosh will resign from Wisconsin and join the conference as deputy commissioner, working directly under Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti in a strategic leadership role.
McIntosh’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Wisconsin athletics and creates another major turning point for one of the Big Ten’s most tradition-rich programs. A former Wisconsin football standout and longtime university administrator, McIntosh has served as athletic director since 2021 after replacing legendary AD Barry Alvarez.
His move to the Big Ten office represents both a personal promotion and recognition of his growing influence within college athletics. In his reported new role, McIntosh will help shape league-wide strategy as the conference navigates the rapidly changing landscape of collegiate sports, including NIL, revenue sharing, conference expansion, and the evolving NCAA governance structure.
For Wisconsin, however, his exit leaves behind pressing questions.
McIntosh’s tenure was defined by bold decisions and major changes across the athletic department. Perhaps his most notable move came in 2022 when he made the stunning decision to fire longtime football coach Paul Chryst midseason—a rare and dramatic step for a program known for stability. He then hired Luke Fickell, one of the most coveted coaching candidates in the country at the time, signaling Wisconsin’s intent to modernize and aggressively compete in a changing Big Ten.
While Fickell’s tenure has not yet produced the immediate turnaround many expected, McIntosh’s willingness to make aggressive decisions showed his determination to evolve Wisconsin athletics beyond its traditional model.
Beyond football, McIntosh oversaw several major business and infrastructure initiatives. Wisconsin secured a lucrative apparel extension with Under Armour during his tenure and also increased investment in NIL and revenue-generation efforts to remain competitive in the modern college sports era.
Still, his time as AD was not without criticism. Wisconsin football’s struggles in recent seasons, including disappointing results under Fickell, placed McIntosh under increasing scrutiny from fans. Some questioned whether his administration moved quickly enough to adapt to the NIL and transfer portal era, while others criticized certain coaching and departmental decisions.
Now, Wisconsin must search for a replacement at a crucial moment.
With college athletics entering perhaps its most volatile era ever, the Badgers will need an athletic director capable of navigating both competitive and financial pressures while restoring momentum to flagship programs like football and men’s basketball. Reports indicate deputy athletic director Marcus Sedberry could serve as interim AD while the university determines its next move.
For McIntosh, the transition is a chance to influence college athletics on a broader scale. His background as a former player, administrator, and business-minded executive makes him a logical fit for a high-level conference office role as the Big Ten continues expanding its national footprint and increasing its influence in the sport’s future.
Though his Wisconsin tenure may inspire mixed reviews depending on perspective, there is no denying McIntosh played a pivotal role during one of the most transformative periods in college athletics history. He helped guide Wisconsin through the early NIL era, shifting conference dynamics, and increased financial pressures facing major athletic departments.
Now, his focus shifts from Madison to the conference level.
As Wisconsin begins the search for its next athletic director, the Badgers enter another pivotal offseason—one that could shape the future of the program for years to come.
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