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Eddie Nunez has agreed to a five-year contract to become the University of Houston’s athletic director, the school announced Saturday.
Nunez will leave the University of New Mexico for the Cougars and the Big 12 Conference. He was named the Lobos’ athletic director in 2017 and changed his title to include vice president in 2021.
Nunez, who played basketball for former coach Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators, also worked for LSU’s athletic department, and will now head a university trying to gain a foothold in the stagnant Big 12. He will be introduced on Wednesday
“Eddie Nunez brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to a time of great change in college athletics,” Houston President Renu Khatore said in a statement. “His leadership will be critical as we continue to improve our athletics programs, enhance the student-athlete experience and build tremendous momentum at the University of Houston.”
In the new league’s first season, Houston’s football team went 4-8 last year, ending the schedule on a four-game losing streak. After the season, former coach Dana Holgorsen was fired and replaced by Willie Fritz, who led Tulane to a program renaissance.
Nunez will replace Chris Pageman, who was fired in June after seven years in that position. At the time, in a statement, Khator said, “Chris Pageman led our athletics program through an incredible transformation, and we are grateful for his leadership over the past six years. He has been an important part of our entry into the Big. 12 conference and students on the field and in the classroom.” Athletes have championed success.
“This was a difficult but necessary decision as we navigate a paradigm shift in collegiate athletics.”
The Cougars open the football season Aug. 31 vs. UNLV.
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