Iowa State Names Jared Benko as Next Athletic Director

“Athletics is vital to the strength of our university,” ISU President David Cook said in a prepared statement after Jared Benko was named Iowa State University’s next athletic director.

Benko, who has spent the past two years as Auburn University’s executive deputy athletic director, will officially start the position on October 30, pending approval from the Iowa Board of Regents. He replaces long-serving athletic director Jamie Pollard, who announced plans in July to retire by June 30, 2027, or when a successor was named.

The appointment comes as Iowa State manages ongoing financial pressures within its athletic department. During a Regents meeting in July, Cook acknowledged that the department has been in the third year of deficit spending, with financial reserves falling below $10 million. The athletic department operates on a budget of $144.9 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

To address these budget constraints, university officials are executing a three- to five-year financial plan. The strategy relies on increased tuition-set-aside dollars, higher levels of philanthropy, cost tightening, and expanded industry sponsorships to rebuild reserves.

Benko Brings Two Decades of Athletics Leadership

Benko brings more than two decades of collegiate athletics leadership to Ames. While managing day-to-day operations for a $228 million department at Auburn, his responsibilities included financial strategy, revenue generation, capital projects, name, image and likeness (NIL) protocols, and revenue sharing.

He also chaired the Southeastern Conference’s Lead Advisors Committee, guiding the conference through governance and revenue-sharing adjustments. Prior to his tenure at Auburn, Benko served as athletic director at Georgia Southern and deputy director of athletics and chief financial officer at Mississippi State University.

Public records show Benko earned an annual salary of $335,726 at Auburn in 2025. Information regarding his new compensation package at Iowa State was not immediately disclosed by university spokespersons. By comparison, outgoing athletic director Pollard earns an annual salary of $900,000.

Upcoming Coaching Transitions and Roster Expansion

Beyond fiscal management, Benko inherits several high-profile personnel decisions. Longtime women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly has announced plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2026–27 season.

Searches are also active for a new head women’s soccer coach. The university is also building out coaching staff for its newly established women’s wrestling program, which is scheduled to begin competition during the 2027–28 academic year.

“My approach is straightforward – be a great teammate, set clear expectations, communicate, listen, make decisions, and hold myself and others accountable,” Benko said in a statement.

Benko is scheduled to address reporters during a press conference on Monday. His hiring represents one of the first high-profile hiring decisions for Cook, who assumed the presidency on March 1.