Rutgers athletic director Pat Hobbs has announced his resignation due to health reasons after serving the school for nine years. The 64-year-old Hobbs will be stepping down just three weeks before the start of Rutgers' highly anticipated football season. Ryan Pisarri, the deputy athletic director and chief of staff, will take over as interim athletic director.
In an email to school president Jonathan Holloway, Hobbs explained that based on the advice of his cardiac team and recent test results, he is unable to continue in his role as Athletic Director due to the demands of the position. Hobbs expressed gratitude for his time at Rutgers and acknowledged that while it may not be the ideal time to depart, his health must take precedence.
Hobbs was appointed as athletic director in 2015, a year after Rutgers joined the Big Ten conference. During his tenure, he oversaw the success of both the men's and women's teams in the Big Ten, both on and off the field. Holloway extended best wishes to Hobbs as he focuses on his health.
Under Hobbs' leadership, Rutgers saw significant achievements in various sports programs. He made key hires such as Steve Pikiell for men's basketball, Greg Schiano for football, and Coquese Washington for women's basketball. Notably, Rutgers' men's basketball team made NCAA Tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022, while the football team secured its first winning record since 2014 and won the Pinstripe Bowl.
Hobbs also spearheaded several facilities projects, including the construction of a football practice facility. However, he faced challenges in the softball program following allegations of a toxic environment under coach Kristen Butler and her husband, volunteer assistant coach Marcus Smith.
Rutgers' overall athletic success reached new heights in 2021-22 with nine teams appearing in national rankings, the most in program history. Men's lacrosse reached its first NCAA Final Four, women's soccer earned a No. 1 seed, and wrestling sent seven competitors to the NCAA championships.
Despite his departure, Hobbs expressed pride in the accomplishments of Rutgers' athletic programs and his belief in their continued success. He highlighted the ongoing achievements of various teams and expressed regret at not being able to witness their future endeavors firsthand.
