Martin Jarmond, the athletic director at UCLA, has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him at the school until 2029. Since joining UCLA in 2020, Jarmond has made significant strides in revolutionizing the athletic program. His most notable achievement was spearheading the school’s move from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten Conference, a decision that is expected to bring in millions of dollars in additional revenue annually.
Jarmond has also helped secure a new apparel contract with Jordan Brand and Nike after Under Armour backed out of a record-setting deal with the school. He has implemented several initiatives to position UCLA’s 25 varsity sports to compete in the evolving name, image, and likeness space. Under his leadership, UCLA has added five NCAA championships and 18 conference titles to its athletic accolades.
However, not all aspects of UCLA’s athletic program have seen consistent success. While the men’s basketball team reached the Final Four in 2021 and the football team has qualified for bowl games under new coach DeShaun Foster, there have been some setbacks. The department also faces significant debt, with a $167.7-million deficit that must be addressed with strategic financial measures.
Despite these challenges, Jarmond remains focused on leading UCLA athletics into a new era. He has worked to secure partnerships and settlements that have helped the department navigate financial hurdles. Looking ahead, Jarmond acknowledges that there is still more work to be done to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of UCLA’s athletic program.
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