The Wildcats have found their guy in Villanova alumnus Eric Roedl.
After a search that took approximately three months since former Athletic Director Mark Jackson left for Northwestern, Villanova University has found its new AD.
Villanova hired Eric Roedl, a 1997 Villanova graduate who also played tennis for the Wildcats. Roedl currently serves as the COO and Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Oregon. Villanova announced the news late Tuesday afternoon.
He will officially take his post on the Main Line after the New Year, in January 2025.
“I would like to thank President Fr Peter Donohue, the search committee, and the Villanova community for entrusting me to lead Villanova Athletics,” Roedl said. “As a Villanova alum and former student-athlete, it is an honor to return to my alma mater. 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-athlete experience and success and strives to match and promote the excellence of Villanova in everything we do.”
Roedl replaces Jackson, who was the Villanova Athletic Director for nine years prior to his departure in late August.
Parker Executive Search was the lead consultant in Villanova’s job search. There was also a search committee, consisting of board members, faculty, alumni and staff, that oversaw the process.
“When we began our search, we were looking for an individual who understands our Augustinian mission, who is able to successfully navigate the changing landscape of college athletics and who possesses the necessary skills to build on our legacy of success—athletically, academically, and administratively—well into the future,” said Villanova President Rev. Peter Donohue. “Eric quickly stood out among a very talented group of candidates as a leader with a breadth of experience, vision and deep commitment to student-athletes. We are thrilled to welcome Eric, his wife, Nicole, and their sons, EJ, Ryan and Jake.”
At Oregon, assisted in the administration and oversight of the Ducks’ football, basketball, baseball, and men’s and women’s tennis programs. He also oversaw the day-to-day operations of Oregon’s 20-sport, $145 million athletic program.
Roedl was also in charge of leading external operations, including ticket sales, marketing, and fundraising — generating more than $60 million in annual revenue, and assisted with facility oversight and capital projects.
“Eric has worked closely with our basketball program for the past 12 years and we are going to miss his leadership and support,” said Oregon coach Dana Altman. “Nicole and Eric have a wonderful family. They will be missed by the Ducks but will be a tremendous addition to the Villanova community.”
He also served on the Pac-12 football and men’s basketball working groups and represented Oregon and the Pac-12 as a member of the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tennis Committee. He is also a previous president of the College Athletics Business Management Association.
“Congratulations Villanova on an outstanding hire as your next athletic director,” said Oregon Athletic Director Rob Mullens. “Eric, Nicole and the boys have a genuine passion for Villanova. Eric has played a key role over many years in the Oregon athletics’ success. 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.”
Roedl has some experience working in the Big 5. He previously worked at Temple before going to Oregon, where he served as the deputy athletics director and administrator for the Owls’ football, men’s basketball and baseball teams. He also served as Temple’s CFO and helped with oversight of external operations, marketing, ticket sales and corporate sales.
He has also served as an associate director of athletic business affairs at William and Mary. His wife, Nicole, is also a Villanova graduate. They have three sons — E.J., Ryan and Jake.