Oliver Luck Is Officially the NCAA's Newest Executive Vice President, Both Sides Confirm (UPDATE)
ByBoth Oliver Luck and his new employer have confirmed his job change, going from West Virginia University's (WVU) athletic director to the NCAA's executive vice president of regulatory affairs.
The Charleston Daily Mail was first to report the whispers surrounding Luck's departure from WVU Wednesday morning, citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the situation. ESPN and other media outlets confirmed the report and both sides confirmed the news hours later.
Luck, 54, received his undergraduate degree at WVU and he also played quarterback for the Mountaineers. He later received his law degree at the University of Texas.
Luck, whose son Andrew plays QB in the NFL for the Indianapolis Colts, will oversee day-to-day and regulatory matters for the NCAA. He will also need to forfeit his seat on the College Football Playoff selection committee for next season.
WVU President E. Gordon Gee: "From his days as an outstanding student-athlete where he led us to great victories on the gridiron, to his service as a member of our Board of Governors, to his role in advancing our athletic programs and the life of the student-athlete, he has always embodied the Mountaineer spirit of perseverance and success. Indeed, his leadership has changed the face of WVU athletics, and I thank him for his dedicated efforts."
Oliver Luck: "It has been a tremendous honor to serve my alma mater as director of athletics for the past four and a half years. As those who have spent time in West Virginia know, this is truly a special place. It's been an incredible experience for me to work with some of the best administrators, faculty, coaches, staff, student-athletes, fans, media and alumni in the nation. As a member of the Big 12, the University is well-positioned for future success and I know that great things lie ahead for WVU. My wife, Kathy, and I will always cherish our time in Morgantown and we will forever be Mountaineers."
NCAA President Mark Emmert: "I am very pleased to have Oliver joining our team in the national office. He brings to us wide ranging, hands-on experience from across athletic, academic, and business worlds. Most important, his commitment to the success and well-being of our student-athletes is unquestionable. He has demonstrated that commitment on the ground and throughout his life. I'm anxious for him to get started with us."