The Washington Huskies officially named Pat Chun their new athletic director on Tuesday, replacing Troy Dannen and becoming the 17th director in the history of the school.
“It is truly an honor for my family and I to join the University of Washington family, and I look forward to doing my part to help elevate the athletics program and the University,” Chun said in a statement. “I am grateful to President [Ana Marie] Cauce for the opportunity and will work closely with our campus partners, our coaches and our staff to help our student-athletes have an incredible experience at UW. Our transition to the Big Ten is a critical step in our journey and great things lie ahead for the Huskies!”
“Pat has a track record of success and a wealth of experience – from 15 years in the Big Ten and service on national groups guiding the future of college sports, to securing community support and a commitment to the well-being of student-athletes,” Cauce said in the same statement. “He knows our state, is highly respected in national athletics circles and has an eye for talent. I’m so happy he’ll be joining us to lead UW Athletics into the future.”
Assistant athletic director Chris Hein displayed a graphic at the entrance of Husky Stadium welcoming his new boss.
Welcome to Montlake, @Pat_Chun! #GoHuskies pic.twitter.com/YCj7fScHJk
— Chris Hein (@cmhein) March 26, 2024
KJR radio host Dick Fain poked a little fun at the big changes on Montlake.
What a HUGE couple days for the UW.
— Dick Fain (@dickfain) March 26, 2024
We have gone from Dannen/Hop to Chun/Sprinkle.
Haters had their few weeks of fun tho. 😆
Play-by-play broadcaster Tony Castricone appeared fired up with the hire.
LET’S FRICKIN’ #GOHUSKIES https://t.co/WFVuWFZqEe
— Tony Castricone (@Castricone) March 26, 2024
UW Hall of Famer and Pac-12 Hall of Honor member Eldridge Recasner had some kind words for the new head man.
How bout that @UWAthletics is hiring @pat_chun as the new AD. What I can tell you about Pat Chun is he is a nice guy and family man. He always found me when I had a game at WSU and came by and said hello, with one of his daughters with him all the time….
— Eldridge Recasner (@erecasner) March 26, 2024
And, as expected, there is no love lost between Washington and their Apple Cup rivals, the Washington State Cougars.
Anxiously awaiting the Coug reaction to Pat Chun joining the dark side pic.twitter.com/xXkYbNKCAK
— alexSSN (@alexSSN) March 26, 2024
SORRY LIL BRO BUSINESS IS BUSINESS
— Barstool Huskies (@Barstoolhuskies) March 26, 2024
Only for their rival to reply with this…
One time I saw Pat Chun getting Dairy Queen in Pullman instead of supporting local businesses. Congrats UW – you’re getting someone who hates their community.
— Barstool Wazzu (@BarstoolWazzu) March 26, 2024
Some WSU fans looked for the humor in the situation.
Pat Chun right now pic.twitter.com/uKIYYcPUe1
— Matthew McNelly (@nellfire) March 26, 2024
When Pat Chun said we were going to continue to operate as a P5 he didn’t mean us
— Alex Mueller (@AlexMueller23) March 26, 2024