'Doing what I was called to do:' Joe Castiglione reflects on multi-decade tenure as Athletic Director

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) — Joe Castiglione is the longest-tenured Athletic Director in college sports. On Tuesday, he spoke about his legacy and impending retirement.

"I appreciate moments like this where the recognition is coming my way but you know why I appreciate it the most? It's because it's recognizing everybody else that helped make a moment like this possible," Castiglione said.

Castiglione came to the University of Oklahoma in 1998, after being recruited from the University of Missouri.

Throughout his time as AD, the university has had four football athletes named Heisman Trophy winners.

OU has also won both conference and national titles in both men's and women's sports.

"If I've done anything, well, it's to find the right people with the right qualities, with the right passion, the right plan, the ability to teach and build confidence in others, and pour into them everything to help them be successful," Castiglione said.

Castiglione added, "It's not about me. I always thought that if I could help others be the best version of themselves then I was doing what I was called to do."

Sooner coaches, staff, and athletes from past and present gathered in the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium to honor Castiglione's mark in OU Athletics.

Women's Gymnastics Head Coach K.J. Kindler said, "He's just always inspiring someone to get to the next level. He's giving you the support and resources that you need."

Former Football Head Coach Bob Stoops also talked about their time on staff together.

"Joe was great and I love what he's done. I'm a big proponent of all the other sports, women's sports, other men's sports. He's found a way to make them all better by by investing in them," Stoops said.

OU Baseball Head Coach also had high praises for Castiglione, saying, "We want to all win national championships, but we're in there to make men and we're in there to make women in there, to make good citizens. We're in there to have those core values that he has set."

Castiglione will still serve as Athletic Director this upcoming year and plans to stay with OU Athletics until 2028 to assist with the transition in leadership.

OU President Joesph Harroz Jr. has announced Oklahoma City native, Randall Stephenson, former Chairman and CEO of AT&T to lead the search for the next AD.