Rutgers’ athletic director, Pat Hobbs, has stepped down from his position, citing health concerns after nine years at the school. This decision comes just ahead of the start of the football season for the Scarlet Knights. Ryan Pisarri, the deputy athletic director and chief of staff, will serve as the interim athletic director following Hobbs’ departure.

In an email to school president Jonathan Holloway, the 64-year-old Hobbs explained, “After meeting with my cardiac team this week and having just been apprised of the results of my latest round of testing, it is clear that I can not continue to serve as Athletic Director given the requirements of the position.” Hobbs admitted that although the timing of his departure is less than ideal, his health must take precedence.

Hired in 2015, Hobbs took on the role a year after Rutgers became part of the Big Ten conference. He was set to earn a base salary of at least $635,000 for the current school year, in line with the median compensation of other Big Ten athletic directors per his contract terms. During his tenure, Hobbs made significant hires including Steve Pikiell, who revitalized the men’s basketball program and secured NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, he brought back Greg Schiano as the football coach, leading the team to their first winning season since 2014 and a victory in the Pinstripe Bowl.

Hobbs also made coaching changes, appointing Coquese Washington as the women’s basketball coach in 2022. Additionally, he spearheaded various facilities projects, prominently overseeing the construction of a football practice facility.