News Summary
The University of South Florida has announced Rob Higgins as its first Chief Executive Officer of Athletics. Starting on October 1, Higgins aims to drive immediate results and accountability within the Bulls program through innovative strategies, including a new communication style. His responsibilities will include overseeing a new stadium project and establishing Bulls Athletic Properties. With a strong background in sports management, Higgins seeks to empower student-athletes and elevate USF’s profile in Division I athletics, marking a transformative era for the university’s athletics department.
Tampa, Florida – The University of South Florida (USF) has officially appointed Rob Higgins as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Athletics, marking a pioneering shift in university sports management. His role will begin on October 1, making USF the first institution to create a CEO position for athletics, a move expected to drive significant changes within the Bulls program.
Higgins, previously the executive director of the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, aims to reform the existing approach to USF Athletics by focusing on immediate results and accountability. At his introductory event at the Pam and Les Muma Basketball Center, he emphasized a new communication style, stating the organization would move away from traditional press conferences, which he described as “boring.” His vision is succinctly titled “all gas and no brakes,” underscoring his intent for rapid advancements and success.
With a critical view of the previous approach that favored the idea of potential over actual performance, Higgins expressed his determination to foster a culture that prioritizes tangible results. He has pledged to eliminate excuses for underperformance and will introduce a leadership style centered around “process and performance,” emphasizing a results-driven environment.
One of Higgins’s primary responsibilities will be overseeing the construction of a new on-campus stadium, which is part of a $348 million project set to open in summer 2027. This initiative reflects USF’s commitment to enhancing its athletic infrastructure, with a focus on providing state-of-the-art facilities for its teams and supporters.
To navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics, Higgins launched Bulls Athletic Properties in July. This initiative is tasked with managing the athletics department’s multimedia rights and developing business strategies that align with the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payment structures for student-athletes. Higgins emphasized that USF has the resources and talent to be competitive within the American Athletic Conference and is committed to winning immediately.
Higgins’s robust background in sports management includes successfully bringing major sporting events, such as Super Bowls and NCAA championships, to the Tampa Bay area. His selection was praised by Will Weatherford, the Chair of the USF Board of Trustees, who highlighted Higgins’s passion for athletics as a critical factor in his appointment.
The launch of Higgins’s tenure was marked by attendance from several notable figures, including Tampa mayor Jane Castor and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Derrick Brooks. The event served as a celebration of the new direction for USF Athletics, reflecting a broad support base within the community.
A USF alumnus and a former ball kid for the men’s basketball team, Higgins has maintained a long-standing connection to the university. During his introduction, he shared a sentimental moment involving a letter he had preserved for 35 years from a USF coach, expressing gratitude for his early contributions to the athletic program.
Higgins’s strategic plan includes a phased approach, focusing first on “winning the building, the campus, the community, and then the country.” He aims to empower student-athletes not just in sports but also in their academic, financial, and professional growth, showcasing a commitment to holistic development.
His appointment follows the resignation of former Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly, who has transitioned to a position at the U.S. Naval Academy. In a show of goodwill, Higgins announced a personal annual contribution of $25,000 to USF Athletics, signaling his dedication to the program’s success.
The broader community has high hopes for Higgins to usher in a “golden era” for USF Athletics, leveraging its increasing resources and enhanced status as an Association of American Universities (AAU) member. He has reiterated USF’s ambition to elevate its profile within Division I athletics and emphasized that future assessments should be based on performance rather than potential as the university navigates alignment discussions with other athletic conferences.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USF Achieves Historic Ranking Milestone in National University List
University of South Florida Appoints Rob Higgins as CEO of Athletics
University of South Florida’s Athletic Director Resigns
USF Alumni Association Announces Honorees for Awards Gala
University of South Florida Approves $348.5 Million Stadium Plan
Additional Resources
- USF News: Born to be a Bull – Rob Higgins Takes the Reins as CEO of USF Athletics
- USF Oracle: Rob Higgins Shares Playbook for New Era as CEO of Athletics
- USF News: CEO of USF Athletics Rob Higgins Named Grand Marshal of Homecoming Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rob Higgins
- Google Search: Rob Higgins USF Athletics
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
