LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Multiple media outlets are reporting Houston’s athletics director Hunter Yurachek will be named to the same position at the University of Arkansas.
Yurachek has been the Vice President of Athletics at the University of Houston since 2015. Yurachek joined the University of Houston Athletics Department as the Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Athletics in February of 2014.
In his role at Houston, Yurachek oversaw an NCAA Division I intercollegiate sports program comprising of 17 varsity sports programs, 425 student-athletes, 175 employees and a $45 million operational budget.
We have not been able to independently confirm the hiring of Yurachek. Last week, it was reported Tulsa’s Derrick Gragg would get the position. If Yuracheck’s hire is confirmed, it would appear the circumstances in which Gragg was set to take the position drastically changed.
Houston board of regent chairman Tilman Fertitta on AD Hunter Yurachek leaving for Arkansas: ‘It caught me by surprise. It caught Hunter by surprise. It happened very quick for him.’— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) December 4, 2017
Houston BOR chairman Tilman Fertitta on AD Hunter Yurachek leaving: ‘I’m very disappointed. I’ve built a relationship with Hunter. I hired Hunter. I wish him the best at Arkansas. We’ll look at this as an opportunity to bring somebody in even better. It’s what you have to do.’— Joseph Duarte (@Joseph_Duarte) December 4, 2017
Earlier today, Arkansas’ Board of Trustees met to discuss personnel matters. After the meeting, BOT members said no formal decisions were made.
