What Chris McIntosh said about leaving Wisconsin for job with Big Ten

Wisconsin Athletics received major news on Sunday, as athletic director Chris McIntosh accepted a position within the Big Ten office.

"I have been a part of the Big Ten Conference as a student-athlete, administrator, and Athletic Director since arriving at Wisconsin in 1996," McIntosh said in a press release on Monday morning. "The opportunity to join Commissioner [Tony] Petitti’s leadership team and help guide the Conference and its institutions toward a stronger future is an honor."

McIntosh spent nearly five years leading Wisconsin's athletic department. He leaves with the football program facing a crossroads, with a 9-15 record over the past two seasons and a critical 2026 season right around the corner.

McIntosh, of course, notably hired head coach Luke Fickell in November 2022. The head coach's status could now be in flux with McIntosh gone from the program. That reality adds even more weight to an upcoming season that was already key to his future with the program.

The athletic director's departure impacts more than just the football program. The new hire will be tasked with the major job of guiding Wisconsin through a fast-evolving college athletics landscape.

Before focus turns to Wisconsin's search for a new athletic director, McIntosh released a lengthy statement following his resignation. Here is that letter, courtesy of WOZN's Zach Heilprin.

"As you may already be aware, the Big Ten Conference has announced my appointment as the Conference’s first Deputy Commissioner for Strategy. I am honored that Commissioner [Tony] Petitti and the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors believe that I can contribute in a meaningful way to advancing the Conference during this time of unprecedented transformation in college sports. With this announcement, I have resigned as UW-Madison's Athletic Director effective today.

There is never a good time to leave an organization, especially one where I feel so connected and where there is more great work to be done. I was not searching for something new, as not only do I love the University of Wisconsin, I also believe the position of its Athletic Director is one of the best jobs in the country. This newly created position with the Big Ten Conference, however, represents a unique and incredible opportunity for me to draw on the experience and insight I have gained over the past many years to help shape what comes next for the Conference, including the University of Wisconsin. I see it as a natural extension of my work.

Although I will no longer be in my position, I will do all that I can to assist Interim Director of Athletics Marcus Sedberry in the transition. I am confident that Marcus, who has been a part of the UW community since 2022 and has played an integral role in every aspect of our athletics enterprise since his arrival, will do an outstanding job.

I want to express my gratitude to Chancellor [Jennifer] Mnookin and Interim Chancellor-designate Eric Wilcots for their unwavering support of Badger Athletics, including during this time of transition.

It is bittersweet to leave the University of Wisconsin, a place that has had such a profound impact on me as a student and as an administrator. All of you, along with our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, are what make this place so special.

Thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do for Wisconsin Athletics. I cannot wait to see the great achievements that lie ahead! On Wisconsin!"

Statement from Chris McIntosh. His resignation is effective today. pic.twitter.com/TSBZ0pDCaL

— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) April 13, 2026

Wisconsin's athletic director hiring process will be a major story to watch as the summer approaches. Heilprin also shared that interim chancellor Eric Wilcots will initiate the search process.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh comment Big Ten job