Additional Coverage:
- Eddie Nunez agrees to become Houston’s new athletic director (newsbreak.com)
Eddie Nunez has signed a five-year contract to take over as the athletic director at the University of Houston, the institution confirmed this past Saturday.
Nunez will move from the University of New Mexico to join the Houston Cougars as they participate in the prestigious Big 12 Conference. He has been serving as the Lobos’ athletic director since 2017, a role that was expanded to include the duties of vice president in 2021.
A former basketball player under coach Billy Donovan at the University of Florida, Nunez also has administrative experience from his time at LSU’s Athletic Department. His latest role at Houston positions him at a university eager to strengthen its presence in the competitive Big 12. His formal introduction is scheduled for Wednesday.
University of Houston President Renu Khator praised Nunez, noting, “Eddie Nunez brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success during a time of great transformation in college athletics. His leadership will be critical as we continue to elevate our athletics programs, enhance the student-athlete experience and build on the tremendous momentum at the University of Houston.”
In their first season within the new conference, Houston’s football team finished with a 4-8 record, ending the season on a four-game losing streak. Following the season, the team parted ways with former coach Dana Holgorsen and brought in Willie Fritz, who had previously led a revival at Tulane.
Nunez is set to replace Chris Pezman, who was let go after a seven-year tenure, come June. At the time of Pezman’s departure, Khator remarked, “Chris Pezman ushered our athletics program through a period of incredible transformation, and we are grateful for his leadership over the last six years. He has been a pivotal part of our entry into the Big 12 Conference and championed the success of our student athletes both on the field and in the classroom.”
The decision to replace Pezman was described as tough but essential given the changing landscape of college sports.
The Cougars are slated to kick off their next football season on August 31 against UNLV.
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- Eddie Nunez agrees to become Houston’s new athletic director (newsbreak.com)