Georgia Bulldogs name Josh Brooks new athletic director

ATHENS, Ga. - Josh Brooks will become the 12th athletic director of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, following the retirement of 10-year AD Greg McGarity.

Brooks joined UGA in December 2016 as an executive associate director of athletics, being promoted to deputy athletic director in May 2018 and senior deputy athletic director in January.

"From visionary and strategist to contract negotiator, fundraiser, and champion for student-athletes—the modern-day athletic director must effectively wear many hats," UGA President Jere W. Morehead said in a statement. "I am confident that Josh can wear all of these hats extraordinarily well, and I am excited to see our athletic program continue to evolve as one of the premier programs in the nation with him at the helm."

Brooks will be responsible for leading the institution’s entire intercollegiate athletic program, which includes 21 NCAA Division I sports teams (9 men’s and 12 women’s) and operates an annual budget of more than $150 million. Brooks will also report directly to the President of the University and serve as a member of University Cabinet. 

"First, I want to thank President Morehead for giving me this incredible opportunity," Brooks said in a relaese. "This is a dream come true, and I am excited to get started.  To everyone who supports and represents Georgia athletics—from our student-athletes, donors, and fans to our coaches, staff, and administrators—you are the heart and soul of the Bulldog Nation, and I am honored to lead an organization that means so much to all of us.  As athletic director, you can expect me to be visible, to be connected and engaged, and to be tirelessly devoted to the success of our student-athletes." 

Brooks previously served as Deputy Athletics Director at the University of Louisiana-Monroe from 2015-2016.  He also held positions as Director of Athletics at Millsaps College (2014-2015) and Assistant and Associate Director of Athletics for Internal Operations at UGA during his first tenure in Athens (2012-2014). 

A native of Hammond, La., Brooks graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology and completed a master’s degree in sport management from UGA. He and his wife Lillie have three sons, James, Jackson, and Davis.