Pittsburgh to Appoint Allen Greene as New Athletic Director

Pittsburgh is set to appoint Allen Greene as its new athletic director, according to sources from ESPN. Greene, who currently serves as the senior deputy athletic director and chief operating officer at Tennessee, has an extensive background in college athletics. He previously served as the athletic director at both Buffalo and Auburn, and has held two separate tenures at Ole Miss. His seven-year stint at Notre Dame further solidifies his experience in the field.

The appointment comes after the previous athletic director, Heather Lyke, was dismissed last month by Pitt’s chancellor Joan Gabel. Gabel emphasized the need for “a new vision” in the face of “a new era in college athletics,” highlighting the university’s intent to adapt to changes within the sports industry, particularly in terms of name, image, and likeness (NIL) policies.

Greene’s contributions as an athletic director are notable; he managed Auburn’s athletic department for five years and Buffalo’s for three. He resigned from Auburn in August 2022 following a negotiated exit. Sources suggest his experience at Ole Miss and Tennessee, both of which have been proactive in professionalizing college athletics, particularly through NIL initiatives, make him an ideal candidate for the role. Under Tennessee athletic director Danny White‘s leadership, Greene was part of efforts to explore innovative revenue generation strategies.

Jennifer Tuscano has been serving as the interim athletic director at Pittsburgh following Lyke’s departure. Greene is anticipated to bring a wealth of experience not only in athletics but also in financial management and fundraising, crucial skills that align with Pittsburgh’s goals of boosting revenue and competitiveness in college sports.

In his early career, Greene was also involved in baseball, playing for Notre Dame and professionally following a draft pick. This diverse background enriches his proficiency in the multifaceted role of athletic director.