In a Stunning Development, Class Act Bob Bowlsby Resigns As Iowa's Athletic Director to Take Job At Stanford. Replacing Him Won't Be Easy

This is a shocker.

Bob Bowlsby has resigned his position as athletic director at the University of Iowa and will accept a similar position at Stanford University.

He is expected to continue his duties at Iowa until mid-summer. The announcement was made today jointly by Bowlsby and Stanford.

Replacing him at Iowa won't be easy.

Bowlsby, a class act, is completing his 14th year at Iowa and has led the department to unprecedented growth and success. His departure is the second major loss for the university in the last six months.

President David Skorton announced his resignation to take the Cornell presidency earlier this year.

The following is a statement by Bowlsby:

“I have been offered an extraordinary opportunity to assume the Director of Athletics’ position at Stanford University. My involvement with the position has occurred over the last three weeks and the entire process has transpired quite rapidly. I look forward to the challenges and the rewards which come with the duties.

“Stanford is an exceptional academic institution which also supports a very broad based and highly successful athletic program. I look forward to building on the traditions and successes of the past and to developing plans for the future.

“I want to thank my colleagues in the Department of Athletics at Iowa. Our staff is an outstanding group of coaches and administrators who are devoted to the best values of intercollegiate athletics. I also want to thank President David Skorton for his tremendous support. I could not have asked for a better colleague and friend.

“Finally, I want to thank the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans of The University of Iowa. I have taken pride in representing your University every day of my 15 years at Iowa.”

Bowlsby has directed the $90 million dollar renovation of Kinnick Stadium, which will be completed this fall. The football program has experienced unmatched success under Kirk Ferentz.

The athletic department is in fiscally sound shape, a testament to Bob’s leadership ability.