Hall of Fame Linebacker Derrick Brooks Named Chief Operating Officer at USF Athletics

The University of South Florida announced Thursday that Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks will serve as Chief Operating Officer for USF Athletics. CEO of Athletics, Rob Higgins, made this hire as his first big decision since joining the Bulls.

Brooks will oversee community work, football administration, and men's basketball operations. He'll also oversee money-making plans, sports tourism strategy, and connections with Tampa Bay's pro teams.

"We have committed to Bulls Nation to build something special here in USF Athletics to best serve our student-athletes, coaches, faculty, alumni, and fans," Higgins said in a press release from USF. "Derrick Brooks has been a pillar of Team Tampa Bay for the last 30 years and a leader in the state of Florida his entire life."

Brooks brings over 15 years of experience as a front-office executive in pro sports to his new position. He has served as executive vice president of corporate and community development at Vinik Sports Group since 2017. From 2011 to 2019, he served as President of Tampa Bay Sports & Football Entertainment LLC and as owner of the Tampa Bay Storm arena football team.

"There is no better time to be a Bull!" Brooks said. "The University of South Florida has long held a special place in my heart and for my family, most recently as huge supporters of our daughter DaNia and her teammates on the reigning American Conference Tournament champion softball team. I cannot think of a university or an athletics department with brighter futures than ours, and I am ready to get to work and excited to join Rob, his staff, and the tremendous student-athletes and coaches who make USF Athletics a one-of-one college athletic department."