UCLA Shakes Up Athletics Leadership with New CEO Tim Harris

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has made a significant change in its athletics department. On Monday, UCLA announced the dismissal of Athletic Director Martin Jarmond and the appointment of Tim Harris as the new CEO and Athletic Director. Chancellor Julio Frenk shared this update with the university community. Frenk emphasized that this decision marks a crucial new direction for UCLA Athletics.

Martin Jarmond’s tenure lasted six years, during which UCLA celebrated notable achievements, including three NCAA championships last season. One highlight was the women’s basketball team’s maiden championship victory. Despite these successes, Jarmond’s leadership saw financial challenges, with the athletic department facing deficits every year.

Tim Harris, now 64, steps into the role without pay. He brings extensive experience, having served over three decades with the Los Angeles Lakers, ultimately as the president of business operations. Harris, a UCLA alumnus, graduated in 1989 with a sociology degree and was also a goalkeeper for UCLA’s men’s soccer team. His long career with the Lakers concluded in February following the sale of the team.

During Jarmond’s tenure, UCLA joined the Big Ten Conference, substantially increasing revenue from media rights but also elevating travel costs. Over the past seven years, UCLA’s athletic department accumulated a $241 million deficit. For the year 2025, this shortfall reduced to $21.6 million. Chancellor Frenk highlighted the need for a new financial strategy that generates revenue sustainably.

“UCLA Athletics currently carries a significant financial debt, and its current path is not sustainable,” Frenk stated. “Now is the moment to build a model for Athletics that protects the breadth of our program, creates new opportunities for student-athletes and coaches, and supports itself through the revenue it generates.”

Frenk also remarked on the evolving landscape of college sports, driven by athletes profiting from name, image, and likeness deals. He expressed the need for UCLA to be a leader, not merely an observer in this transformation.

Bob Chesney, the head coach brought in by Jarmond to revive UCLA’s football program, will see his debut as the Bruins take on California this Saturday.