Joel Erdmann has served as Athletic Director at the University of South Alabama since July of 2009. He is the longest tenured AD in the Sun Belt Conference.
In a press release today, Erdmann gave his recognition to the Board of Trustees, The President and Provost of the University, The Coaches, Fans, and City of Mobile.
“South Alabama is an amazing university driven by great people. Its positive momentum is real and Tina and I will now, in a different way, continue to be Jaguars for life.”
He is the only athletic director during the South Alabama Football era. He oversaw the construction of Hancock Whitney Stadium, the move from Ladd-Peebles Stadium and the transitions in leadership of the football program from Joey Jones to Steve Campbell, from Steve Campbell to Kane Wommack, and from Kane Wommack to Major Applewhite.
USA President Jo Bonner on Dr. Erdmann’s retirement: “In his 17 years as the leader of Jaguar Athletics, Dr. Erdmann mentored hundreds of student-athletes and witnessed innumerable special moments across all our teams… Joel has made an indelible mark on South’s history, and, to the student-athletes, he is always their loudest cheerleader and greatest advocate.”
During Joel Erdmann’s tenure as Athletic Director, South Alabama captured the Vic Bubas Cup six times along with 41 Sun Belt Championships and 52 NCAA Postseason appearances.
President Jo Bonner has appointed Deputy AD Daniel McCarthy to the post of Interim Athletic Director. McCarthy has been with the Jags since 2008 and in his current role since 2018.
