UH president 'not settling on mediocrity' with new Cougars AD Eddie Nuñez's arrival

Greg Bailey Image
Thursday, August 22, 2024
UH 'not settling on mediocrity' with new AD Eddie Nuñez's arrival
UH 'not settling on mediocrity' with new AD Eddie Nuñez's arrivalThe University of Houston introduced former New Mexico athletic director Eddie Nuñez for the same role.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Tilman Fertitta, the chairman of the University of Houston's board of regents, admits that "it's not easy at UH."

However, new athletic director Eddie Nuñez is ready to meet many challenges head-on.

"It's taking it one step at a time," Nuñez said at his introductory news conference on Wednesday. "There are too many opportunities out there for us [...] to make incremental improvements."

Nuñez arrives at UH after seven years leading the University of New Mexico's athletic department. Before that, Nuñez spent 14 years at Louisiana State working in the Tigers' athletic department.

PREVIOUS STORY: University of Houston taps Eddie Nuñez in 5-year deal as program's next athletic director

After inheriting an athletic department facing severe challenges in Albuquerque, Nuñez helped guide the Lobos to 53 NCAA Tournament appearances across all sports. The Cougars also touted his experience overseeing a $400 million facility renovation in Baton Rouge while also negotiating a 10-year multimedia rights agreement.

Nuñez's biggest challenge will be financial. UH's current athletic department budget of roughly $80 million ranks at the bottom for all Power 4 schools.

UH Chancellor and President Renu Khator said she wants to double the annual budget to allow UH's teams to compete nationally.

When ABC13 spoke with Khator after the news conference, she was adamant they could reach a remarkably ambitious goal.

"I am not settling for mediocrity," Khator said.

The 49-year-old Nuñez introduced his wife and two daughters and promised UH fans would see them all actively engaged in the community. That forward-facing approach will be key as he tries to tap into the resources that UH needs and the city offers.

"We've got to be creative. We've got to be innovative. We have to figure it out," Nuñez said.

For more on this story, follow Greg Bailey on Facebook, X and Instagram.

SEE ALSO: UH parting ways with athletics director 'a difficult but necessary decision,' school president says

Chris Pezman is out as the University of Houston's athletics director, the school announced on Thursday. Pezman, a UH grad, had the job for six years.
Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.