Kansas has hired Northwest administrator Travis Goff as the new athletic director, the school announced Monday.
Goff, a native of Sunflower State who graduated from KU, called it thrilling to return to Lawrence, Kansas, in what he called “one of the most humiliating responsibilities and opportunities in college athletics.” .
“Our purpose will remain focused on fostering the academic, social and athletic development of our student-athletes; supporting our talented coaches and staff; connecting with alumni and donors; and most importantly, building a culture that allows to 16 programs proudly compete for Big 12 national conferences and championships as we represent our department, our institution and our community, ”he said in a statement.
Goff has been at Northwestern since 2012, most recently as athletic deputy director and deputy vice president of development. He played a role in fundraising that led to massive upgrades to facilities in the Northwest and oversaw football, baseball and volleyball programs.
Kansas has been looking for an athletic director since Jeff Long resigned nearly a month ago.
Long was responsible for hiring Les Miles, with whom the school broke up amid allegations of sexual misconduct dating back to the time of the football coach at LSU. Long initially said he would direct the search for Miles’ replacement, but criticism of the diligence he made in hiring his longtime friend, along with a massive public outcry, led to his decision to resign.
“Travis stood out among the candidates for his experience, his reputation as a man of integrity and his proven ability to connect with teachers, staff, alumni and donors,” UK Chancellor Douglas Girod said in a statement. “I am especially impressed by Travis’ vision of KU. Travis understands the challenges we face and the changing landscape of collegiate athletics. At the same time, he is well positioned to help us take advantage of our recent health successes. student-athlete, diversity and inclusion, and student-athlete academic success. The fact that he is a Jayhawk is an added advantage and will certainly serve him as Kansas Athletics progresses. “
Goff’s first big task will be to determine what to do with a football program that is already going through spring practice, under great receiver Emmett Jones, chosen to serve as interim coach last month.
The defeated Jayhawks lost all nine games last season. They haven’t had a winning season since Mark Mangino was on the sidelines in 2008.
Goff returns to Lawrence after working with former Northwestern Athletic Director Jim Phillips, who left school in the Evanston suburb of Chicago earlier this year to become commissioner of the the Atlantic Coast.
Goff grew up in Dodge City, in southwestern Kansas. He graduated in 2002 with a degree in journalism and sociology, and then earned an MBA from Tulane, where he worked as an associate sports director for foreign affairs.
He is the Jayhawks’ sixth athletic director since Bob Frederick retired in 2001.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.