SEATTLE — An academic year full of turnover at the University of Washington continues, as athletic director Troy Dannen is leaving to accept the same role at the University of Nebraska, the school announced Wednesday.
Dannen only served as athletic director at the school since October 2023, when he replaced Jennifer Cohen upon her departure to lead the University of Southern California athletic department.
Dannen said Wednesday the decision was to be closer to his family.
"It was really a move back home, a family thing," Dannen said. "I said it was very personal because I loved everything about Washington. My family is not here yet. It was a chance to go to a great place that is really home. It wasn't something that we were looking at but when it presented itself."
It was a turbulent tenure for Dannen, who had to replace a head football coach in Kalen DeBoer in a whirlwind week following the team's loss in the national championship game. Dannen also parted ways with UW head men's basketball coach Mike Hopkins at the end of the team's season.
"The timing isn't great at all," Dannen said. "That was the biggest challenge."
Dannen will have to see his brief former employers often, as Washington is joining Nebraska in the Big Ten Conference beginning this fall. Nebraska is giving Dannen a six-year contract, just six months after UW signed him to a five-year contract.
It will be an expensive hire for Nebraska, as Dannen's contract with UW, reviewed by KING 5, charges him with repaying a $275,000 relocation bonus in addition to a $1.5 million buyout.
Nebraska's athletic director role opened up this week after Trev Alberts accepted a position with Texas A&M University.
Washington President Ana Mari Cauce said the decision was a "shock."
"It was a shock, there is no question about it," Cauce said. "As you said, there have been seismic shifts and lots of shocks and so you know you kind of ride the wave."
So, who will UW turn to next? Erin O'Connell was a holdover from the Cohen administration in the athletic department and has been a key part of maintaining things amid the wave of change on Montlake.
Cauce said she wants the next athletic director to embody the ideals of the university.
"What we are looking for someone that really fits in with our whole philosophy of how we look at student athletes," Cause said. "Someone that wants to win, that that wants to be competitive. We want to win. But who wants to do it the right way who understands that these players that go to the NFL or the NBA they're going to be unemployed in their 30s and they have the rest of their life ahead of them and they have the tools to do that well."
As college sports become further consumed by money, Husky fans are once again getting a stark reminder of the cold business the industry has become.
UW Athletics confirmed that Dannen is leaving. released a statement that read:
This is deeply disappointing. But as a University committed to the welfare of the entire individual, we understand the need to make choices based on what’s best for one’s family. We wish Troy well.
Leading this program is one of the greatest opportunities in the country. We’ve seen time and again how Huskies compete and win on the national stage and we are grateful for the strong support of Husky Nation, who have positioned us so well for the future. And with Coach Fisch joining our group of talented coaches, who are leading teams of incredible student-athletes, our future is bright.
Cauce confirmed that O'Connell would once again serve as the department's interim director.
She said to hopes to have the next athletic director in place before football season begins.
"I can show you my phone. I'm already getting pings from people saying, 'Please, think of me,'" she said. "Last time, we did our search in about two months. No question, we'll have this done soon."