Overview

• On August 4, 2025, John Hartwell stepped down as athletics director at the University of Louisiana-Monroe, announcing plans to pursue other professional opportunities.
• Hartwell attributed his resignation to mounting budgetary constraints, noting ULM’s athletic department ranks among the smallest in the FBS and faced further cuts.
• Speculation linking him to Troy University’s AD vacancy after Brent Jones’ departure to Georgia Tech was debunked by multiple sources confirming no formal discussions have taken place.
• ULM President Carrie L. Castille said an interim athletics director plan is in place and details will be announced once logistical arrangements are finalized.
• Hartwell’s exit caps a career that included AD roles at Troy (2012–15) and Utah State (2015–22) as both ULM and Troy now advance their succession efforts.