Villanova has hired Oregon assistant athletic director and director of operations Eric Roedl as the Wildcats' new athletic director, the school announced Tuesday.
Roedl replaces Mark Jackson, who left after nine years for the same position at Northwestern, and gives Villanova a new face to lead its athletic department at a time when its nationally recognized basketball program is fighting for third consecutive season.
Villanova chose Roedl, a Wildcats alum, in part because of the extensive experience he brings from his time at Oregon. Roedl played an important role on a macro level at Oregon with the school's number one football program and always successful basketball program.
University President Peter M. Donohue said in a statement that he is confident that Roedl is someone who can “successfully navigate the changing landscape of collegiate athletics and who possesses the skills necessary to build on our legacy of success, athletics, academic and administrative, good.” into the future.”
Roedl played a major role in the search that brought Dan Lanning from Georgia to Eugene, played a key behind-the-scenes role in Oregon's move to the Big Ten and has strong relationships with Nike dating back to his time at the school, which began in 2012 .
There is also important local experience for Roedl, who graduated from Villanova in 1997 and was co-captain of the tennis team. He also worked at Temple for eight years, including overseeing its basketball program.
“As a Villanova alumnus and former student-athlete, it is an honor to return to my alma mater,” Roedl said in a statement. “My vision is to collaborate with University leadership, the Villanova community, our coaches, staff and student-athletes to maintain a championship culture throughout the athletic department that places the highest value on student experience and success -athletes and strives to match and promote Villanova excellence in everything we do.”
Roedl's first big decision is expected to be about the future of basketball coach Kyle Neptune, who continues to struggle in his third season at Villanova. Neptune, who replaced Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright, is 37-36 and 2-3 this season with a loss to Columbia.
Wright won national titles at Villanova in 2016 and 2018, but the program has declined dramatically since his retirement.
Roedl's responsibilities at Oregon included the role of sports administrator for men's basketball. He also had oversight responsibility for business/financial operations, strategic and financial planning, human resources, contracts, information technology and equipment operations.
“Eric has played a key role for many years in the success of Oregon Athletics,” Ducks athletic director Rob Mullens said in a statement. “Eric brings strong leadership, a commitment to the student-athlete experience and a competitive spirit to Villanova. The Wildcats have a bright future with Eric Roedl at the helm.”
Added Ducks football coach Dan Lanning: “I have been fortunate to work closely with Eric and our football team over the past three years here at Oregon and I can say with confidence that Villanova will have a star.”
Roedl will officially take up his new role in early January.
