The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is currently scouting for a new Athletic Director following the departure of Chris McIntosh, who stepped down earlier this year to take on a newly created position within the Big Ten Conference.
McIntosh had overseen the Badgers' athletic operations since 2022, having climbed through the ranks of the university's sports administration since 2014. His exit marks the end of a decade‑long tenure that reshaped several key initiatives across Wisconsin's varsity programs.
A Competitive Pool of Candidates
Among the names surfacing as finalists is Desiree Reed‑Francois, who served as Athletic Director at the University of Arizona before announcing her intent to explore new opportunities. Sources close to the search process indicate that the Badgers have narrowed the field to roughly three to five candidates, with Reed‑Francois listed alongside several other contenders.
Despite her prominent profile and recent expressed interest in leaving Arizona, insiders suggest that her deep connections to the Wildcats' athletic department make her a less probable hire for Wisconsin. Reed‑Francois has not publicly confirmed whether she is actively pursuing the Badgers role or considering other openings.
Broader Implications
The search comes as the Big Ten, under Commissioner Tony Petitti, continues to expand its administrative footprint. While the conference has created a new central role for Petitti, the move also reflects a broader trend of conferences centralizing leadership functions.
Wisconsin's next Athletic Director will inherit a program that has seen both athletic and academic growth over the past decade, and will be tasked with navigating conference realignment, revenue distribution, and student‑athlete welfare reforms.