UCLA fires athletic director Martin Jarmond, appoints Tim Harris as CEO and AD

UCLA fired athletic director Martin Jarmond on Monday and replaced him with Tim Harris, the former longtime president of business operations for the Los Angeles Lakers. Chancellor Julio Frenk announced the change in a letter to the university community, describing it as a "new path forward for UCLA Athletics."

Jarmond, who had held the position for six years, leaves immediately. The Bruins won three NCAA championships last season, including the first title for the women's basketball team.

The Financial Rationale

Frenk cited the athletic department's financial situation as a key reason for the change. "UCLA Athletics currently carries a significant financial deficit, and its current path is not sustainable," he wrote.

During Jarmond's tenure, the athletic department posted deficits year after year. According to the New York Post, the department ran up a total shortfall of $241.1 million, which required a university bailout. WDIV ClickOnDetroit reported that the deficits spanned seven consecutive years, totaling $241 million, and that the university has repeatedly bailed out the athletic department to keep it afloat. The deficit was reduced to $21.6 million for the 2025 fiscal year, according to the same report.

Frenk also pointed to the evolving college athletics landscape, including the introduction of name, image and likeness (NIL) deals that allow athletes to earn money. "UCLA must have an athletics model that leads — not just keeps pace," he wrote.

Jarmond's Tenure

Jarmond, 46, replaced Dan Guerrero as AD in 2020. He signed a five-year contract extension in May 2024, according to WDIV ClickOnDetroit. The Los Angeles Times reported that Jarmond may be owed up to $5.9 million remaining on that extension, while ESPN reported he is owed $6.5 million. The New York Post noted that a person close to the situation said the school would honor the terms of his contract.

During his tenure, Jarmond oversaw UCLA's move to the Big Ten Conference in August 2024, a decision that brought increased media rights revenue but also higher travel expenses. The Bruins led the Big Ten in championships during their first season in the league, according to the Los Angeles Times.

However, football success proved elusive. After the 2023 season, Chip Kelly left for Ohio State. Jarmond then hired DeShaun Foster, who was fired after an 0-3 start to his second season with a 5-10 record, as reported by ESPN and the Orange County Register. This past offseason, Jarmond and a committee of alumni hired Bob Chesney from James Madison, a move widely praised, according to the New York Post and the Orange County Register. The Bruins open their season at California on Saturday.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Jarmond also presided over teams that won nine NCAA championships, including the women's basketball national title last season. The New York Post noted that football attendance set record lows in multiple seasons and that the men's basketball team hasn't reached the Sweet 16 since 2023.

Tim Harris's Appointment

Tim Harris, 64, will serve as CEO and athletic director on a pro bono basis, according to Frenk's letter. Harris is a 1989 UCLA graduate with a degree in sociology and played goalkeeper for the men's soccer team. He spent more than 35 years with the Lakers before leaving the franchise in February, four months after the Buss family sold the team to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter, as reported by WDIV ClickOnDetroit.

Frenk said Harris will develop "a new strategy to grow revenue through partnerships, licensing and other ventures." The chancellor also stated, "Tim knows what it takes to grow a world-class sports organization and global brand, and he holds longstanding relationships throughout Los Angeles and globally."

UCLA is expected to eventually begin a national search for a permanent replacement, according to the New York Post.