David Matlin accepts job as UH Athletics Director

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
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Posted: Mar 25, 2015

David Matlin
David Matlin

David Matlin has been named the new Athletics Director of the University of Hawaiʻi. UH Mānoa Chancellor Robert Bley-Vroman made the announcement today at a press conference at Les Murakami Stadium.

"I believe, during these challenging times for UH Athletics, that David has the proven executive leadership experience, vision and passion to stabilize and grow the program,” said Bley-Vroman.  “We were searching for someone with the ability and agility to lead us through this complex and important period in the evolving national collegiate athletics landscape, and I am confident that we have found that person in David.”

Matlin said that he is honored and humbled to have been selected as UH’s next AD.

“This is honestly my dream opportunity and I understand that there are many challenges ahead,” said Matlin. “I am confident that with the support of the Athletics Department staff, UH leadership, and the entire state, we will be successful. I humbly ask the people of Hawaiʻi, and UH fans all over the world, for their support to ensure that UH Athletics not only survives, but thrives. ”

As a former employee of the UH Athletics Department, an MBA graduate from the Shidler College of Business, and a local business leader with more than 20 years of sports management experience in Hawai‘i, Matlin has a deep appreciation for the significance of the role that athletics plays in the success of the University and in the lives of the people of Hawai‘i.

Matlin’s last 13 years of affiliation with ESPN and managing the Hawai‘i Bowl, Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, and the Hawaiian Islands Invitational have allowed him to build relationships with NCAA conferences, athletic directors, and national organizations.  He is one of nine members on the Executive Committee of the Football Bowl Association, which is the national organization established to promote, protect and ensure the quality of the student athlete experience for all college bowl games.  Matlin is well respected among local and national constituents in the field of sports, specifically within intercollegiate athletics.   

The recommended salary for the new AD will go before the UH Board of Regents for final approval at the April 16 meeting.

“I’m deeply appreciative of the tremendous feedback from campus and community members on this critical leadership position,” said Bley-Vroman. “Please join me in welcoming David as he takes the helm of the state’s NCAA Division I women’s and men’s athletics program and our 21 major sports teams.”