UConn has tapped the chief operating officer of Auburn University’s athletic department to be its next athletic director. David Benedict was scheduled to be introduced at a press conference Tuesday morning in Storrs.
At Auburn, Benedict directed all the day-to-day operations of the Auburn athletic department, with particular emphasis in operational planning, resource allocation, budget development and financial management. He led the department in developing strategic long-range plans for a $120-plus million budget, facilities, and staffing.
According to The Connecticut Mirror, UConn had an overall athletics budget of $71.5 million last year, 40th highest among public universities with Division 1 teams. UConn spent $27.2 million last year subsidizing its sports teams and programs – the third highest in the nation, the Mirror also reported.
UConn appears to have hired Benedict for his ability to improve revenues to the program. In a statement, the university cited his time at Auburn where he negotiated a unique nine-year extension with Under Armour that included both product, cash and $10 million worth of stock. Benedict was also in the midst of leading a search for a multi-media rights partner to more than double Auburn’s current average guarantee.
Prior to Auburn, Benedict served as deputy athletic director at Minnesota (2012-14) and in leadership positions at Virginia Commonwealth (2010-12), Long Beach State (2007-10), and Arizona State (1996-2006).
A native of Tempe, Ariz., Benedict is a 1995 graduate of Southern Utah, where he was a linebacker on the football team. He earned a master’s degree from New Mexico Highlands in 1996, where he also was a graduate assistant football coach.
Â
