UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond, hires ex-Lakers exec Tim Harris

Key Points:

• UCLA has fired athletic director Martin Jarmond after more than six years and appointed longtime Lakers executive Tim Harris as the new chief executive and director of athletics, with Harris accepting the role on a pro bono basis.
• Chancellor Julio Frenk cited a significant financial deficit and an unsustainable current path for UCLA Athletics, emphasizing the need for a new revenue-generating model to support student-athletes and coaches.
• Jarmond’s tenure included a major move to the Big Ten Conference, 10 conference championships, nine NCAA titles, and struggles with the football program, donor relations, and a $51.8 million debt requiring a university bailout.
• Tim Harris, a UCLA alum with over 35 years of experience in Lakers business operations, is tasked with developing new strategies for revenue growth through partnerships and licensing while maintaining competitive athletic programs.
• The future direction focuses on transforming intercollegiate athletics with purpose-driven leadership amid rising costs related to athlete compensation and evolving college sports landscapes.