UW-Madison inks new five-year deal with athletic director Chris McIntosh

The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced on Thursday that athletic director Chris McIntosh has signed a five-year contract extension to remain in that role until at least 2029.

McIntosh replaced the legendary former football coach Barry Alvarez as the Director of Athletics in 2021 after spending time both as an athlete and as a deputy athletic director under his guidance.

“The college athletics landscape is changing quickly,” McIntosh said in a news release. “I am committed to helping our student-athletes achieve both academic and athletic success in this new environment. Along with our administrative team, coaches and staff, I look forward to tackling the challenges ahead and creating more opportunities for success.”

The former offensive lineman was a member of the Wisconsin football team from 1996-1999, playing in both the 1999 and 2000 Rose Bowls. He went on to be selected in first round of the 2000 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks.

McIntosh returned to the university in 2014 as a member of the athletic department, working up to his current role over the years.

In his time as Director of Athletics, McIntosh has proven to be a determined and willing decision-maker, letting go long-time head coaches Paul Chryst (football) and Tony Granato (men’s hockey), replacing them with Luke Fickell and Mike Hastings respectively.

Additionally, he has been at the helm of the athletic programs as collegiate sports entered into the uncertain future of NIL, as well as the Big Ten expanding to 18 teams in 2024.

McIntosh’s extension includes a raise to $1.45 million per year, up from $1 million. That number is set to increase by $50,000 annually, as reported by USA TODAY’s Steve Berkowitz.