Read Chris McIntosh's resignation letter as Wisconsin AD

TL;DR

Chris McIntosh resigned as UW-Madison athletic director to become Big Ten's first deputy commissioner for strategy.[[1]](https://madison.com/article_a7ecf360-9025-5b86-84eb-98341269cc7b.html)
Resignation effective April 13, 2026, after emailing Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin on Sunday night.[[1]](https://madison.com/article_a7ecf360-9025-5b86-84eb-98341269cc7b.html)
Marcus Sedberry named interim AD amid leadership changes including Chancellor's upcoming departure.[[2]](https://247sports.com/college/iowa/article/marcus-sedberry-named-interim-athletic-director-following-chris-mcintoshs-resignation-wisconsin-badgers-281661840)

The story at a glance

The article publishes Chris McIntosh's formal resignation letter as University of Wisconsin-Madison athletic director, sent via email to Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin. McIntosh, who served five years, leaves for a new role as Big Ten deputy commissioner for strategy under Tony Petitti. This comes amid recent campus leadership shifts, reported April 13, 2026.[[3]](https://news.wisc.edu/director-of-athletics-chris-mcintosh-to-depart-for-inaugural-role-in-big-ten-conference)

Key points

McIntosh announced acceptance of Big Ten's newly created position focused on conference strategy during changes in college sports.[[4]](https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/89632/wisconsin-badgers-news-details-emerge-chris-mcintosh-departure-athletic-director)
Resignation took effect immediately on April 13, his last day at UW-Madison.[[3]](https://news.wisc.edu/director-of-athletics-chris-mcintosh-to-depart-for-inaugural-role-in-big-ten-conference)
In a letter to Badger Nation, McIntosh called the move bittersweet, noting he was not job-searching but saw it as a unique opportunity extending his work.[[5]](https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/04/13/chris-mcintosh-wisconsin-badgers-ad-comments-on-leaving-big-ten-deputy-commissioner/89588002007)[[4]](https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/89632/wisconsin-badgers-news-details-emerge-chris-mcintosh-departure-athletic-director)
UW named Marcus Sedberry, former deputy AD, chief operating officer, and football GM, as interim athletic director.[[2]](https://247sports.com/college/iowa/article/marcus-sedberry-named-interim-athletic-director-following-chris-mcintoshs-resignation-wisconsin-badgers-281661840)
Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin praised McIntosh's contributions, including athletic success and 91% student-athlete graduation rate.[[6]](https://lasvegassun.com/news/2026/apr/12/chris-mcintosh-steps-down-as-wisconsin-ad-to-take-)

Details and context

McIntosh, a former Wisconsin offensive lineman and Rose Bowl captain, joined the AD's office in 2017 and became director in 2021. His tenure saw hiring of football coach Luke Fickell in 2022, conference realignment challenges, and investments in facilities amid NIL and revenue shifts.[[7]](https://www.on3.com/news/report-wisconsin-ad-chris-mcintosh-leaving-school-for-new-position-in-big-ten-office)

Football coach Luke Fickell called the departure "losing a friend," speaking after spring practice on April 14.[[8]](https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/04/14/wisconsins-footballs-luke-fickell-reacts-to-athletic-director-chris-mcintoshs-departure/89603957007)

The move adds to transitions: Chancellor Mnookin leaves for Columbia University presidency July 1, with interim chancellor-designate Eric Wilcots to lead the permanent AD search.[[9]](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/chris-mcintosh-stepping-down-wisconsins-022415311.html)

Key quotes

"It is bittersweet to leave the University of Wisconsin, a place that has had such a profound impact on me as a student and as an administrator." – Chris McIntosh, in letter to Badger Nation.[[5]](https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/04/13/chris-mcintosh-wisconsin-badgers-ad-comments-on-leaving-big-ten-deputy-commissioner/89588002007)

"There is never a good time to leave an organization, especially one where I feel so connected and where there is more great work to be done." – Chris McIntosh, resignation letter.[[4]](https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/89632/wisconsin-badgers-news-details-emerge-chris-mcintosh-departure-athletic-director)

"It's not easy losing a friend." – Luke Fickell, on McIntosh's departure.[[8]](https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/college/uw/2026/04/14/wisconsins-footballs-luke-fickell-reacts-to-athletic-director-chris-mcintoshs-departure/89603957007)

Why it matters

UW athletics faces uncertainty with key leaders departing amid Big Ten expansion and college sports revenue battles. Fans and programs like football lose a familiar figure who backed coach Fickell through tough seasons, potentially affecting stability and recruiting. Watch for the AD search timeline under interim leadership, though timing depends on chancellor transition.