Oklahoma Athletics Announces Layoffs as Athlete Revenue Sharing Looms

The University of Oklahoma this week is reportedly set to cut the school's athletic department staff by 5%, citing forthcoming athlete revenue sharing as the reason. 

According to the OU Daily, which received an email from athletic director Joe Castiglione, OU has reached a critical moment that requires the department to restructure its staff function, resulting in a "limited reduction in force." 

“This difficult decision was made with great consideration, understanding it impacts our colleagues and their families,” Castiglione wrote. 

The move comes amid an environment of unprecedented change that has seen many other Power Four athletic departments proceed with staffing cuts. 

Associate athletic director Mike Houck told the OU Daily in a separate email that 5% of the 302 full-time, non-student department employees will be cut.  Castiglione said his compensation will also be adjusted in lieu of the cuts. 

“This is the only expected reduction in force for our department,” Castiglione wrote in the email. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to you and to the mission that drives us: serving our student-athletes and representing the University of Oklahoma with pride and integrity.”