MADISON, Wis. 鈥 Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh has signed a five-year contract extension that includes a pay raise.
McIntosh鈥檚 contract will now run through June 30, 2029. He has served as Wisconsin鈥檚 athletic director since Barry Alvarez鈥檚 retirement in the summer of 2021.
鈥淐hris is an extremely effective leader at a time of unprecedented change across the collegiate athletics landscape,鈥 Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin said Wednesday in a statement. 鈥淚n the midst of this shift, he continues to position the Badgers for long-term success in the top tier of college sports. I鈥檓 thrilled he鈥檒l continue to be a Badger and look forward to his leadership in the years to come.鈥
In the release announcing McIntosh鈥檚 extension, Wisconsin said he will make $1.45 million in base salary this year with an annual $50,000 escalator clause that would increase his pay to $1.5 million the following year.
Under that escalator clause, McIntosh would make $1.65 million the final year of his contract.
McIntosh鈥檚 original contract had given him a base compensation of $1 million for 2024.
His contract will be funded by a combination of athletic department revenues and UW Foundation gift funds designated for athletics.
McIntosh, 47, has worked in Wisconsin鈥檚 athletic department since 2014. He was an All-American offensive tackle for Wisconsin before the Seattle Seahawks selected him with the 22nd overall pick in the 2000 draft.
His most notable moves as athletic director have included coaching changes in football and men鈥檚 hockey. He fired Paul Chryst as football coach in October 2022 and hired Luke Fickell away from Cincinnati later that year. He dismissed Tony Granato as men鈥檚 hockey coach at the end of the 2022-23 season and replaced him by luring Mike Hastings from Minnesota State.
Fickell went 7-6 in his debut season at Wisconsin. Hastings went 26-12-2 and led Wisconsin to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021.
鈥淪erving as Director of Athletics at Wisconsin continues to be a privilege and I am grateful to Chancellor Mnookin for her support and confidence in me,鈥 McIntosh said. 鈥淭he college athletics landscape is changing quickly, and I am committed to helping our student-athletes achieve both academic and athletic success in this new environment. Along with our administrative team, coaches and staff, I look forward to tackling the challenges ahead and creating more opportunities for success.鈥