Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson resigns

Field Level Media|published: Mon 13th November, 16:06 2023

Mar 3, 2022; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State University athletic director Ray Anderson introduces ASU Women s Basketball head coach Charli Turner Thorne at Desert Financial Arena. Charli Turner Thorne Retirement credits: Alex Gould/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson resigned effective immediately on Monday.

Anderson, 69, who has guided the Sun Devils' athletic department since 2014, said now is the right time to bring in new leadership in Tempe.

"It has been a privilege to serve as ASU's athletic director for nearly a decade," he said. "We have entered an unprecedented era where the number and magnitude of changes in the college sports landscape are astounding.

"As I approach 70, these are not matters that my leadership would be able to corral during my tenure. Continuity of leadership will be needed, and I am choosing to step aside to let the university find that leader."

Anderson worked as a sports agent and as an executive with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons before being hired at Arizona State.

He oversaw the renovations to Sun Devil Stadium and the construction of Mullett Arena, home of the Sun Devils hockey, wrestling, gymnastics and volleyball programs and temporary home of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes.

He also negotiated an apparel deal with Adidas and added four varsity sports: men's hockey, women's lacrosse, men's tennis and triathlon.

"By prioritizing student success, raising unprecedented levels of resources and evolving the Sun Devil brand, Ray Anderson has been one of the most impactful and longest serving athletic directors in the history of Arizona State," university president Michael Crow said. "We respect his decision, and we appreciate his service to the university."

His tenure was not without criticism, most notably for the lack of success in the football program.

Arizona State announced before the current football season that it was self-imposing a bowl ban, hoping to reduce penalties from the NCAA probe into recruiting violations by former coach Herm Edwards.

Jim Rund will serve as interim athletic director while the university conducts its search.

The next athletic director will oversee the school's transition from the Pac-12 to the Big 12.

—Field Level Media