University of South Florida announced Thursday that Derrick Brooks will join the athletic department as Chief Operating Officer. The Hall of Fame linebacker and Tampa Bay sports executive starts immediately.
Brooks brings more than 15 years of professional sports management experience to USF. He most recently served as Executive Vice President of Corporate and Community Development at Vinik Sports Group.
The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star also runs Derrick Brooks Charities as president. He co-founded Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School.
“We have committed to Bulls Nation to build something special here in USF Athletics. Derrick Brooks has been a pillar of Team Tampa Bay for 30 years. We could not be more excited to welcome his passion, energy and expertise as our new COO.”
That’s according to Rob Higgins, USF’s CEO of Athletics, in a statement.
Brooks will oversee several key areas in his new role. His responsibilities include community engagement, football and men’s basketball administration, and revenue generation. He’ll also handle relations with Tampa Bay’s professional franchises.
The move connects Brooks even closer to USF athletics. His daughter DaNia plays on the softball team.
“There is no better time to be a Bull. USF holds a special place in my heart, especially with my daughter DaNia on the softball team. I’m excited to join Rob, his staff and our tremendous student-athletes. As Rob says, ‘All Gas. No Brakes. No Regrets. No Excuses.’ And I’ll just add: Go Bulls!”
Brooks played 14 seasons with Tampa Bay after the Buccaneers drafted him in 1995. He earned 11 Pro Bowl selections during his career.
He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2002. The linebacker also received the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2000.
Brooks helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl XXXVII following the 2002 season. He’s enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame.
The hire represents USF’s latest move to strengthen its athletic department leadership. Higgins has emphasized building stronger connections with the Tampa Bay community since taking over as athletics CEO.
