In an attempt to have its athletics department reflect the current landscape of college sports, Notre Dame has made some administrative staff changes that include promoting former Irish QB and current football administrator Ron Powlus to the role of Chief Operating Officer in the athletics department. This is a new position that will keep him with his current duties in football but expand it to a more broad aspect as ND looks to arrange things in a way to be able to thrive in the new world of college athletics.

“The college athletics ecosystem is changing at the fastest rate in its history and this reorganization will give us the best opportunity to continue to provide an authentic and rewarding Notre Dame student-athlete experience,” said Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua. “Moving Ron into the COO role will bring the amazing leadership that he’s consistently exhibited with our football program to the entire athletic department. I couldn’t be more excited to see how Ron leads his new divisions and how our new executive leadership team coalesces and moves us into the future at full speed.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving this great university and athletic department,” Powlus said in a statement through Notre Dame. “Notre Dame is a special place for me and my family and I’m energized to work with such outstanding student-athletes and staff who are joined in our shared mission of excellence and to be a force for good in the World.”