Pat Hobbs Resigns as Rutgers Athletic Director for Health Reasons

Rutgers University announced the resignation of Athletic Director Pat Hobbs on Friday, citing health concerns as the primary reason for his departure after nine years in the role. The 64-year-old Hobbs made the decision just weeks before the Scarlet Knights are set to kick off a highly anticipated football season. In an email to university president Jonathan Holloway, Hobbs revealed that recent medical evaluations indicated he could no longer fulfill the demanding responsibilities of the position. Hobbs joined Rutgers in 2015, shortly after the university became a member of the Big Ten Conference. During his tenure, he was credited with significant achievements, including the return of Greg Schiano as head football coach and overseeing the Scarlet Knights' first winning season since 2014, culminating in a victory at the Pinstripe Bowl. President Holloway expressed gratitude for Hobbs' contributions, highlighting the success of both men's and women's teams in the Big Ten. Under Hobbs' leadership, Rutgers experienced a peak in athletic success during the 2021-22 season, with nine teams achieving national rankings, the highest in the program's history. He also initiated several facility improvements, including a new football practice facility. Hobbs reflected on his time at Rutgers as the highlight of his career, expressing disappointment at not being able to witness the upcoming football season and the potential of the basketball program. As Rutgers prepares for the upcoming season, the university will need to find a successor to continue the momentum built during Hobbs' tenure.