EP 4 Talking Sports with UGA Athletic Director Josh Brooks

Fans First a Sports Podcast

Jim Powell sits down with Josh Brooks, the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics at the University of Georgia. Brooks, a 2023 Sports Business Journal Athletic Director of the Year finalist, shares insights on leading a powerhouse athletic program, the challenges of managing multiple sports, and balancing family life with a demanding career. They discuss UGA’s recent successes, exciting new facility projects, and the future of college athletics. Plus, a passionate fan calls in during the “Get Off My Lawn” segment, stirring up conversation about the Alabama vs. Georgia rivalry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:45] - Jim Powell introduces Josh Brooks, UGA Athletic Director
• [02:15] - Josh Brooks talks about balancing multiple sports programs
• [03:55] - Brooks discusses how he spends time with his family
• [05:25] - Jim and Josh discuss changes in college football
• [07:15] - Brooks shares what keeps him up at night about college athletics
• [12:00] - Facility renovations and future plans for UGA sports
• [14:15] - Challenges of keeping UGA athletic events affordable
• [16:22] - Josh Brooks discusses UGA basketball and Mike White’s recruiting class
• [18:22] - Flip the Switch
• [21:10] - Brooks gives his thoughts on the Georgia vs. Alabama game
• [22:30] - Get Off My Lawn Segment- Charlotte, North Carolina.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Josh Brooks emphasizes the importance of teamwork and credits much of UGA's athletic success to his predecessors, staff, and athletes.
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• Brooks highlights the challenges of balancing a demanding career as an Athletic Director with being present for his family.
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• UGA is undergoing significant facility renovations, including projects for softball, baseball, and Sanford Stadium to enhance fan experiences.
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• Brooks is optimistic but acknowledges concerns about the future of NCAA, NIL deals, and the increasing demands on student-athletes and coaches.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Josh Brooks (born May 28, 1980) is an American university sports administrator who is athletic director at the University of Georgia, and previously Millsaps College.

Millsaps College[edit]

After stints at Louisiana-Monroe and Georgia, Brooks became the athletic director at Millsaps College, a Division III school located in Jackson, Mississippi.[1]

University of Georgia[edit]

In 2016, Brooks went to the University of Georgia to serve as executive associate director of athletics. Over the course of the next 5 years, Brooks was promoted three times. In 2018, Brooks became a deputy athletic director, and in 2019 became the senior deputy athletic director. In 2021, following the departure of Greg McGarity, Brooks became the athletic director for the University of Georgia.[2] In his first two years as athletic director, Georgia won back-to-back national championships in football in 2021 and 2022

RESOURCE LINKS

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/

Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

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