Breaking News: AD Jim Knowlton retires

Athletic Department leadership restructure to begin immediately

After 8 years at the helm of Cal’s athletic department, AD Jim Knowlton has announced his retirement.

The news broke early monday morning with ESPN’S Pete Thamel first tweeting the announcement, which was followed by Cal’s statement a few hours later.

Chancellor Rich Lyons also announced a leadership restructure within the athletic department. With the start of the House Settlement ruling, the restructuring will be something to watch as Cal tries to modernize and adapt structurally to the new age of collegiate athletics.

Photo Credit: Cal Athletics (Rob Edwards/KLC Fotos)

Cal Athletics’ Official Statement

BERKELEY – Jim Knowlton, who has served as California's Director of Athletics for the past seven years, announced his retirement Monday.

Knowlton, who led Cal's athletic department through an extraordinary time of change and challenge in intercollegiate athletics, will remain in his role through July 1.

"On behalf of the Cal community, I want to thank Jim for his leadership, his integrity, and his devotion to the academic and athletic success of our student athletes," UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons said. "Jim's work and accomplishments have set the stage for the next era of excellence across Cal Athletics."

Chancellor Lyons also announced that he will use this period of transition to put in place a new leadership structure. He has appointed current Deputy Athletic Directors Jay Larson and Jenny Simon-O'Neill to be the new co-directors of Cal Athletics.

Knowlton was named Cal's athletic director on May 21, 2018, and the Golden Bears captured 10 national championships during his tenure. Cal's football program played in four bowl games with Knowlton leading the department and over 100 Golden Bears qualified for a pair of Summer Olympics under his watch.

Cal's graduation success rate (GSR) improved every year while Knowlton oversaw the department except for one when it tied its all-time high at 91 percent. The following year, Cal reached a new benchmark at 93 percent.

"It has been an incredible honor to serve at the University of California, Berkeley, the No. 1 public university in the country," Knowlton said. "The expectation of holistic excellence helps to drive everyone associated with the university, and our department is no exception. The combination of a world-class education, athletic excellence, an inclusive community, an awe-inspiring location and, most importantly, truly special people, make Cal a magnificent place to serve."

Knowlton helped Cal Athletics navigate the many complicated challenges that came with the COVID-19 pandemic while also leading the department through the most tumultuous period in intercollegiate athletics history. Knowlton's leadership was essential in Cal's move to the ACC as the department continued to compete in one of the nation's four power conferences.

Partly as a result of the increased national exposure the ACC affords, ESPN College Gameday visited Cal last season for the first time.

Knowlton also helped oversee the creation of the Cameron Institute – the leading program for student-athlete development in the country that was made possible from a $12.5 million gift by C. Bryan Cameron.

"I could not be prouder of our Cal Athletics team – the student-athletes, coaches, staff, alums and donors – simply the best," Knowlton said. "I am grateful to have been able to serve side by side with so many amazing individuals!"