Phi Delta Theta Brother Roger Denny to Succeed Brother Joe Castiglione as Oklahoma Athletic Director
The Phi Delta Theta Fraternity celebrates Brother Roger Denny, SEMO ’04, on his appointment as the next vice president for intercollegiate Athletics Programs and director of athletics at the University of Oklahoma. Denny succeeds Brother Joe Castiglione, Maryland ’79, the longest-serving Division I athletic director in the nation and a transformational leader whose legacy has shaped OU Athletics for nearly three decades.
Denny will be OU’s twelfth director of athletics, he brings experience from his role as deputy director of athletics and chief operating officer at the University of Illinois, where he oversaw strategic operations and helped elevate the department’s performance in a rapidly evolving athletics landscape. His background includes nearly fifteen years as a practicing attorney and significant experience in areas such as executive compensation, collective bargaining, and corporate finance.
Brother Castiglione will retire from full-time leadership after decades of distinguished service. During his tenure at OU that began in 1998, Castiglione guided the Sooners to sustained excellence including twenty-six national championships, record-setting fundraising success, major facilities expansion, and outstanding student-athlete academic achievement. He leaves a lasting legacy of growth, competitive success, and stability for which he’s widely admired across the athletics community. In June 2025, Castiglione was inducted into Phi Delta Theta’s Sports Hall of Fame for his impact on OU’s athletics and his leadership of one of the top programs in the nation.
In announcing Denny’s appointment, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. praised his ability to lead in a “highly dynamic environment” and emphasized the importance of building on the foundation Castiglione established. As Castiglione transitions into the role of athletic director emeritus, he will continue to support a smooth leadership handover and remain engaged with the Sooner athletics family.
Phi Delta Theta proudly celebrates the accomplishments of Brothers Castiglione and Denny, both whom exemplify adaptive leadership. As Roger Denny steps into this role, we look forward to witnessing how his commitment to student-athlete success will help shape the future of OU Athletics.
