The tenure of Bill Moos as University of Nebraska athletic director — three years, eight months and two days — was once regarded as historically short, while Moos successor Trev Alberts stayed less than three years in that position at his alma mater. But neither scenario comes close to the cup of coffee the Huskers' new hire just had at the University of Washington.
As reported by The Seattle Times, Troy Dannen said “I’m not going to move again, God willing, president willing" and "Trust me, I will not let you down" when he was introduced as Washington's athletic director in October. Five months later, he's committing to fill the AD vacancy in Lincoln. It will mark the fourth time he's led a Division I program, and his third such job within the span of the past six months.
According to the Omaha World-Herald, the six-year deal Dannen signed with Nebraska includes a $1 million signing/relocation bonus and starts with a $1.6 million base salary. It increases in $100,000 increments until he reaches $2.1 million in 2029-2030. Wrote Sam McKewon of the World-Herald, "According to his Washington Contract, he — or more likely NU — owes his former employer $1.5 million for leaving before June 30, 2024. Nebraska got $4.12 million from [Texas] A&M when Alberts left just months after signing a contract extension."
Washington president Ana Mari Cauce, who reportedly was joined by Dannen at a UW fundraising event as recently as Tuesday, released the following statement on the university's website:
This is deeply disappointing. But as a University committed to the welfare of the entire individual, we understand the need to make choices based on what’s best for one’s family. We wish Troy well.
Leading this program is one of the greatest opportunities in the country. We’ve seen time and again how Huskies compete and win on the national stage and we are grateful for the strong support of Husky Nation, who have positioned us so well for the future. And with Coach Fisch joining our group of talented coaches, who are leading teams of incredible student-athletes, our future is bright.
We’ll begin a search for the next Director of Athletics immediately. I look forward to recruiting a leader who is committed to the goals and values of Husky Athletics – someone who will lead Husky Athletics into the Big Ten and build on the successes of recent months and years. In the meantime, I’m pleased that Erin O’Connell, Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer, will again serve as interim AD.
