The University of Houston is leaving athletic director Chris Pezman after seven years, the school announced Thursday.
Raymond Bartlett, Houston's senior vice president of administration and finance, will serve as interim athletic director.
In a statement, university president Renu Khator said: “Chris Pezman has guided our athletics program through a period of incredible transformation, and we are grateful for his leadership over the past six years. He has been an instrumental part of our entry into the Big 12 Conference and championed the success of student-athletes on the field and in the classroom.
“This was a difficult but necessary decision as we navigate a paradigm shift in college athletics. I want to thank Chris for his dedication to UH and our student-athletes. On behalf of the University, I wish Chris and his family the best “
Pezman played three seasons for the Cougars on the gridiron from 1990 to 1992, and served as team captain during the 1992 season, before being hired as athletic director on December 11, 2017.
During his time as athletic director, the Cougars opened the Fertitta Center in December 2018. Excluding the Covid-19 season, Houston made five consecutive appearances in the men's basketball Sweet 16.
Pezman's firing also comes months after football coach Dana Holgorsen was fired in November. The Cougars finished 4-8 (2-7) in 2023, their inaugural season in the Big 12 after leaving the American Athletic Conference. In five seasons in Houston, Holgorsen had a 31-28 record.
Pezman hired Willie Fritz as Holgorsen's replacement in December 2023, after Fritz led Tulane to one of the best runs in school history.
The school said the search for Pezman's replacement will begin immediately.
