Chris Pageman out as Houston AD after seven years

The University of Houston is moving on from athletic director Chris Pageman after seven years, the school announced Thursday.

Raymond Bartlett, Houston’s senior vice president for administration and finance, will serve as interim athletic director.

In a statement, University President Renu Khator said, “Chris Pageman has 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. I want to thank Chris for his dedication to UH and our student athletes. On behalf of the University, I wish Chris and his family the best.”

Pageman lettered for three seasons on the gridiron for the Cougars from 1990-1992 and served as team captain during the 1992 season before being hired as athletic director on December 11, 2017.

During his tenure as athletic director, the Cougars opened the Fertitta Center in December 2018. Excluding the Covid-19 season, Houston has made five consecutive men’s basketball Sweet 16 appearances.

Pageman’s firing also comes months after head football coach Dana Holgorsen was fired in November. The Cougars finished 4–8 (2–7) in 2023, their inaugural season in the Big 12 after leaving the American Athletic Conference. In five seasons in Houston, Holgorsen had a 31-28 record.

Pageman hired Willie Fritz to replace Holgorsen in December 2023, after Fritz led Tulane to one of the best stretches in school history.

The school said a search for Pageman’s replacement will begin immediately.