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Jim Knowlton to Retire as Cal Athletics Director, Deputies Named Co-Leaders

Lyons has appointed two deputies to guide Cal Athletics through its worst budget shortfall under evolving NCAA revenue-sharing policies.

Overview

  • Jim Knowlton will step down as California’s athletic director on July 1 after a seven-year tenure marked by ten national championships and high-profile controversies.
  • Chancellor Rich Lyons elevated deputy athletic directors Jay Larson and Jenny Simon-O’Neill to co-directors, establishing a dual-leadership structure for Cal Athletics.
  • Last month’s hiring of Ron Rivera as football general manager shifted oversight of the football program away from Knowlton and directly to Lyons.
  • The department reported a $29.7 million deficit in the 2023-24 fiscal year and faces mounting pressure to boost fundraising and adapt to new NCAA revenue-sharing obligations.
  • Under its new leadership, Cal Athletics must navigate ACC membership challenges, transfer portal dynamics and name, image and likeness regulations.