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Report: Texas AD Chris Del Conte reaffirms commitment to Longhorns amid USC rumors

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•06/07/23•

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Chris Del Conte, Steve Sarkisian (Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK)

As USC goes big game hunting for their next athletic director, one name can reportedly be crossed off the list. According to Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman, Chris Del Conte will not be leaving Texas in favor of the Trojans.

This is not the first time USC has come after Del Conte, who previously worked at TCU. Staying at Texas seems to be the easy choice for Del Conte, crediting the higher powers at Texas for being aligned with him.

“I have no interest in any other job,” Del Conte said via Bohls. “Who you work for matters. I work for an incredible president (Jay Hartzell) who is taking Texas to new heights. I’m blessed to be here.”

Del Conte has taken the Texas athletic department to the next level since taking over in 2017. The Longhorns have won two consecutive Director’s Cup, given out to the school with the most athletic success throughout the year. Previously, Stanford had won the award every year since 1994-1995.

On the men’s side, swimming (x3), golf, indoor track and field, and tennis have all won national championships. Baseball still has a chance this season as well, facing off against Stanford in a Super Regional and what could turn out to be an important Director’s Cup battle.

For the women, rowing (x2), tennis (x2), and volleyball have brought home titles. That brings the total up to 11 national champions for Texas under Del Conte’s watch, with one final sport pending.

Of course, the move to the SEC has been orchestrated by him and the higher-ups in Austin. Del Conte has managed to bring Texas to one of the best football conferences in the country. And had he moved to USC, Del Conte would have been competing with the SEC in the Big Ten.

USC will make the move at the same time as Texas — just before the 2024 football season. The Trojans are currently in the midst of replacing Mike Bohn, who recently stepped down as the program’s athletic director. A nationwide search has taken place to hire someone new.

Del Conte will not be the man for USC. His plan is to stay in Texas and continue to work with people, such as Hartzell, whom he has a ton of respect for. A big move to the SEC is shortly on the horizon as Del Conte hopes Longhorns athletics continue to prosper.