In a bold move that could shake up the college sports landscape, the University of Washington has poached Pat Chun from rival Washington State to become its new athletic director. Chun, who has held the position at Washington State since 2018, will trade his Pullman office for one in Seattle as the Huskies look to solidify their standing in the forthcoming Big Ten landscape.
While no formal announcement has yet been made, a source familiar with the situation revealed to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity that the agreement is nearing completion. ESPN, who first reported this impending deal, has claimed that Chun will be looking at a 6-year contract with the Huskies. Meanwhile, dressed in red, Troy Dannen - Washington’s former athletic director who served less than half a year - gave a press conference in Nebraska.
Chun's departure from Washington State comes as no surprise, given the disparity between the two institutions' athletic outlooks. At Washington State, Chun was trying to stitch together a viable future for the Cougars, who find themselves hanging in the uncertain territory between the Power 4 and the Group of 5.
According to Football Scoop, Washington is on the cusp of a new era as it readies for a lucrative Big Ten membership and all the opportunities it affords, including games against legendary teams like Michigan and Ohio State. The hiring of Chun is expected to be a strategic part of this much-anticipated transition as rival Washington State counts the cost.
