The University of South Florida (USF) is undergoing a significant transformation in its athletic department, with a renewed focus on achieving championships under the leadership of CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins and Chief Operating Officer Derrick Brooks. This shift comes as the Bulls aim to elevate their status in college sports, particularly with aspirations to join a Power Four conference.
Rob Higgins, a USF alumnus and longtime advocate for the university, has taken the reins as the first CEO of Athletics, a position that reflects the evolving landscape of college sports where entrepreneurial vision is crucial. His journey to this role has been marked by personal challenges, including a battle with cancer that prompted him to seize the moment and pursue his lifelong dream of leading USF's athletic programs. "You just learn so much about time," Higgins remarked, emphasizing the urgency he feels in his new role.
The appointment of Derrick Brooks, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star, as COO further solidifies USF's commitment to excellence. Brooks, who has extensive experience in sports management and community engagement, shares Higgins' vision for the future of USF athletics. "Let’s map out the vision for the next 10 years," Brooks stated, highlighting the ambitious goals they have set for the university.
One of the most significant developments on the horizon is the construction of a new 35,000-seat football stadium, set to open in 2027. This $350 million facility is expected to be a game changer for USF, which has historically struggled with perceptions of being a commuter school. Higgins believes that this stadium will help reshape the university's identity and attract more fans and recruits. "This place deserves the absolute best, and we will not settle," he declared.
In addition to the stadium, USF has made strides in enhancing its financial commitment to student-athletes, with a revenue-sharing plan that allocates $21.3 million directly to support their needs. These initiatives are already yielding results, as evidenced by the men’s basketball team’s return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012 and the women’s volleyball team’s first tournament appearance since 2002.
The recent hiring of Brian Hartline as the head football coach marks a pivotal moment for USF. Hartline, who previously served as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing talent. His arrival is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing the football program, which has shown promise under former coach Alex Golesh, who departed for Auburn after leading the Bulls to a notable 9-4 season.
Higgins and Brooks are determined to maintain the momentum built by Golesh, despite the challenges posed by staff changes and roster turnover. They are committed to ensuring that USF's ascent in college athletics is not merely a fleeting moment but a sustained movement. "This is truly like a race against time on a lot of different levels," Higgins noted, emphasizing their relentless pursuit of success.
As USF looks to the future, the leadership team is focused on fostering a culture of competitiveness and excellence. Brooks has expressed his ambition for the program, stating, "I expect us to have national championships here." With their sights set high, Higgins and Brooks are working tirelessly to transform USF into a powerhouse in college athletics, ready to compete with the best programs in the nation.
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