UH parts ways with Athletic Director Chris Pezman

Houston athletic director Chris Pezman, left, and head coach Dana Holgorsen watch from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack) (Phelan M. Ebenhack, Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The University of Houston announced the university is parting ways with athletic director Chris Pezman.

“Chris Pezman has ushered our athletics program through a period of incredible transformation, and we are grateful for his leadership over the past six years,” UH President Renu Khator said Thursday. “He has been a pivotal part of our entry into the Big 12 Conference and championed the success of student athletes on the field and in the classroom.”

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Pezman’s dismissal comes months after head football coach Dana Holgorsen was fired. In five seasons at UH, the coach compiled a 31-28 record. 2023 was their first season in the Big 12 conference, and they finished with a 4-8 record.

“This was a difficult but necessary decision as we navigate a paradigm shift in collegiate athletics,” Khator continued. “I want to thank Chris for his dedication to UH and to our student athletes. On behalf of the University, I wish Chris and his family the very best.”

The university announced they will immediately begin searching for a new athletic director.

Raymond Bartlett is the interim athletic director.


About the Authors

Murrow and Emmy award-winning sports anchor & reporter. Avid traveler, mediocre golfer. Loves good food, good friends and southern rap.

Michael is a Kingwood native who loves shooting hoops, visiting local breweries and overreacting to Houston sports. He joined the KPRC family in the spring of 2024. He earned his B.A. from Texas A&M University in 2022 and his M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023.

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