USF football news took center stage this week as the University of South Florida announced Rob Higgins as its first-ever CEO of Athletics, marking a historic homecoming for the Tampa native and USF graduate. Higgins, who has led the Tampa Bay Sports Commission since 2004, has been instrumental in bringing marquee events like Super Bowls and College Football Playoff title games to the region.
Known as a tireless fundraiser with strong ties across college and professional sports, Rob Higgins was targeted for this role in past searches, and USF officials now believe they have “finally got their guy.”
Welcome home @RHiggins_TBSC!#StayInTheBay‼️🤘 https://t.co/sufpKunhWx
— USF T w i t t e r Herd 🤘 (@USFHerd) September 9, 2025
The move underscores USF’s commitment to reshaping its athletic department into a competitive enterprise as it prepares to open its on-campus stadium in the coming years. Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford said Higgins’ business-minded approach and ability to generate revenue make him the ideal leader for this new era of college athletics.
USF Welcomes Rob Higgins as New Athletics Director
Rob Higgins has an extensive track record of success, serving as president of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee and helping Tampa host major NCAA championships, NHL events, and WrestleMania. His efforts have consistently elevated Tampa Bay’s profile nationally, bringing economic impact and global recognition.
USF President Rhea Law praised Rob Higgins as a prime example of alumni impact, noting his decades of contributions to sports and entertainment in Tampa. Higgins himself described the appointment as a dream come true, tracing his USF journey back to his childhood days as a ball kid for the men’s basketball team. His accolades include repeated recognition in the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100, Sports Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40,” and being named one of the world’s top sports marketers by Huffington Post.
With deep community ties, industry influence, and a clear vision, Higgins’ return positions USF Athletics to expand its reach, strengthen its brand, and compete at the highest level. An introductory press conference is scheduled for September 22, where he will outline his vision for the Bulls’ future.
