In a surprising turn of events, Pat Hobbs, the athletic director of Rutgers University, resigned from his position on Friday. Hobbs, who held the longest continuous tenure as an athletic director within the Big Ten, cited health concerns as the primary reason for his departure. The announcement came after a recent meeting with his "cardiac team," during which he received the results of his latest round of testing that prompted him to rethink his ability to serve in the demanding role.

Hobbs, who had been under contract until 2028, expressed regret at leaving at a less than ideal time but emphasized that his health and other considerations had to take precedence. His nine-year tenure at Rutgers has been widely appreciated, as under his leadership, both the men's and women's teams have emerged as formidable competitors in the Big Ten, on and off the field.

Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway thanked Hobbs for his remarkable contributions to the university, noting the progress made during his tenure. Holloway also announced that Ryan Pisarri, the deputy athletic director and chief of staff, would assume the role of interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Additionally, a search for a permanent athletic director will commence promptly to ensure the smooth functioning of the athletic department.

During his time as athletic director, Hobbs played an integral role in the hiring of basketball coach Steve Pikiell and the return of football coach Greg Schiano, both of whom have had a significant impact on elevating Rutgers' standing in the Big Ten. Pikiell led the Scarlet Knights to two NCAA tournament appearances, while Schiano guided them to their first winning season since 2014.

Hobbs faced challenges early on in his tenure, including the difficult tenure of football coach Chris Ash, whom he had hired. Despite these hurdles, his resilience and strategic decisions helped reshape the athletic program. Prior to his time at Rutgers, Hobbs served as the dean of Seton Hall Law School and had a background as a tax attorney.

In an internal note addressed to the staff, Hobbs expressed his gratitude and admiration for their support throughout his tenure. He conveyed his excitement for witnessing the continued success of the Rutgers teams in the upcoming seasons.

As Rutgers University begins the search for a new permanent athletic director, the focus now shifts to maintaining the positive trajectory Hobbs established and ensuring the sustained growth of the athletic department.