The University of Houston parts ways with Chris Pezman and begins a nationwide search for a sports director for the Cougars

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Chris Pezman will not live to see the University of Houston’s second season in the Big 12 and beyond.

On Thursday, the UH announced that it would not retain the athletic director. The university president described this as a necessary decision.

“He has been a critical part of our joining the Big 12 Conference and has championed student-athletes’ success on the field and in the classroom,” said UH President Renu Khator. “This was a difficult but necessary decision as we undergo a paradigm shift in college sports.”

In addition, the university announced the start of a nationwide search for the next person in charge of university sports.

Pezmana UH graduate and former captain of the Cougars, held this position for six yearswith milestones in men’s basketball and track and field being the major highlights of his time.

However, success was not equal everywhere. The football program reached a top 25 ranking during Pezman’s tenure. He also oversaw two head coaching changes for Cougars football and Dana Holgorsen in 2019 And Willie Fritz in the last offseason.

UH also became a member of the Big 12 but has had to catch up in providing facilities, particularly in football, comparable to its new conference peers. A $130 million football facility, which broke ground last year, is still under construction.

The university also announced that Raymond S. Bartlett, senior vice president for administration and finance, will serve as interim director of athletics during the search.

SEE ALSO: UH holds groundbreaking ceremony for new $130 million soccer center: ‘Really competitive’