Tennessee’s COO is being eyed to fill Houston’s athletic director vacancy, report says

The University of Houston could soon find its next athletic director in Tennessee COO Ryan Alpert.

At 36, Alpert has emerged as a serious candidate for the job, with a source confirming his participation in the interview process, according to Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle. Alpert, who currently serves as the Vols’ chief operating officer, has built a strong reputation in college athletics, particularly for his work on major projects in Tennessee, including a $337 million renovation of Neyland Stadium.

Alpert’s SEC experience, along with stints at Missouri and Tennessee, make him a valuable candidate. At Tennessee, he is credited with increasing revenue from $154.7 million to a record $202 million in fiscal year 2022-23. His responsibilities also include complete oversight of the annual budget and long-term financial forecasting for the Vols’ athletic department.

UH’s search for a new athletic director comes after the firing of Chris Pezman in June, and Alpert is reportedly “very much in the spotlight.” The selection committee, which includes UH President Renu Khator and board chairman Tilman Fertitta, has conducted virtual interviews with several candidates, including David Fletcher, general manager of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment. Fletcher is considered a nontraditional candidate known for bringing high-profile events to NRG Stadium.

What Houston soccer players said about Guardian Caps and future impacts

The new athletic director will face significant challenges, including managing an operating budget that ranks last among schools in major conferences such as the SEC and Big 12. Additionally, UH’s athletic department has relied heavily on institutional support, and a new revenue-sharing plan for players will impose further financial burdens beginning in 2025. Despite these challenges, Alpert’s strong experience makes him a promising fit for UH.