Troy Dannen addresses Washington fans after leaving for Nebraska athletic director job
On Wednesday Nebraska formally announced Troy Dannen as their new athletic director, a surprising move after spending less than a year with the Washington athletic department in the same role.
But despite his stint in Seattle being a short one, Dannen still addressed Husky Nation following his sudden departure. Breaking his silence on Friday with a message to the Washington community via Twitter that can be seen below.
“Husky Nation: As you now likely know, I have made the difficult decision to leave the University of Washington,” Dannen wrote. “Husky Athletics will always be among the nation’s elite, its coaches, student-athletes, staff and supporters remain the envy of many. I regret that my tenure on Montlake was so brief, as this truly is an incredible place. I wish nothing but the best for the Huskies going forward and will always be grateful for the support you showed me personally and to our department! Go Dawgs.”
Dannen represents the latest domino to fall in what’s been a carousel of athletic director movement across the country this year. With former Texas A&M AD Ross Bjork moving on to Ohio State to eventually replace Gene Smith this summer, Trev Alberts leaving Nebraska to replace Bjork in College Station, and Dannen now leaving Washington for Nebraska.
In October of 2023 Dannen was named Washington’s director of athletics. Following previous stints in the same role at his alma mater Northern Iowa from 2008-2015 and Tulane from 2015-2023. Notably guiding the Green Wave to 21 conference championships and 41 postseason appearances, highlighted by hiring head football coach Willie Fritz who led Tulane conference championship and Cotton Bowl victories in the 2022-2023 season.
In about five months Dannen went from Husky to Husker, but is excited about his new opportunity in Lincoln forward.
“Joining the Nebraska family is truly an honor,” Dannen said in the release. “My family and I are humbled by the opportunity to be part of such a proud athletics program, institution, community and state. Growing up in Iowa, I watched a lot of Nebraska football on Saturdays with my family. I’ve spent a lot of time in the state and I’ve found that we share a similar approach to life, work and sports: Work hard, stay humble, compete and expect to win.”