Just In: Mixed Feelings as Houston, Athletic Director “SPECIAL” Part Ways After Seven Years

Just a year into its membership in the Big 12 Conference, the University of Houston has appointed a new football coach and is in the hunt for a replacement for its athletic director.

Houston revealed that it had parted ways with athletic director Chris Pezman on Thursday after his seven-year tenure at the school. This decision comes mere months after the Cougars dismissed head coach Dana Holgorsen. Although Pezman supervised the hiring of new head coach Willie Fritz, he will not be staying on to witness Fritz’s performance. In the interim, Raymond Bartlett, Houston’s senior vice president for administration and finance, will serve as the acting athletic director until a permanent successor is named.

In a press release, Houston president Renu Khator expressed gratitude for Pezman’s leadership over the past six years, acknowledging his role in steering the athletics program through a period of significant transformation, as well as in navigating the university’s entrance into the Big 12 Conference. Despite recognizing Pezman’s contributions, the decision to part ways was described as difficult but necessary in light of the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. Khator extended thanks to Pezman for his commitment to the university and its student athletes, wishing him and his family the best on behalf of the institution.

Having played football at Houston from 1990 to 1992, Pezman played a key part in Houston’s transition from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12. However, the Cougars’ debut season in 2023 yielded disappointing results, with a 4-8 record (2-7 in Big 12 play).