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Rob Higgins and Derrick Brooks lead the USF athletic department

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 7:30 PM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Rob Higgins and Derrick Brooks lead the USF athletic department

Summary

University of South Florida athletics is transitioning to a new leadership structure under CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins and Chief Operating Officer Derrick Brooks. Higgins assumed the role in September 2025 following the departure of former athletic director Michael Kelly. The pair is tasked with building a vision for the department that includes the completion of an on-campus football stadium currently scheduled for a 2027 opening. The university is aiming to improve its standing within the college sports to better align with other research-focused institutions in Florida that compete in Power Four conferences. Higgins and Brooks are working to eliminate an institutional perception of underachievement as they look to expand the school's athletic profile.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Rob Higgins serves as the first CEO of Athletics at USF.
•Derrick Brooks accepted the role of Chief Operating Officer to work alongside Higgins.
•A 35,000-seat football stadium at USF remains on schedule for a 2027 opening.
•Leadership is focused on moving USF toward a Power Four conference affiliation.

Latest Updates

7:30 PMYahoo Sports — A re-energized USF is chasing championships

What they're saying

"
Rob Higgins, dressed in his alma mater’s garb, took the podium at USF’s graduation and remembered his first Bulls basketball game. It was an overtime win.
— Yahoo Sports

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