ACC Hires Northwestern AD Jim Phillips as Next Commissioner

The ACC has hired Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips as its next commissioner, the league announced on Monday.

Phillips, who has led the Wildcats' athletic department since 2008, will replace the retiring John Swofford. After leading the ACC for 24 years, Swofford is set to retire as commissioner in June 2021 and Phillips will assume his new role in February 2021.

"Jim is one of the most talented athletic administrators in the country and uniquely qualified to successfully and seamlessly take over the helm of the ACC," ACC Board Chair Kent Syverud (Syracuse University) said in a statement. "Over the course of nearly 13 years, Jim has elevated and cemented Northwestern's position as an outstanding Power 5 athletics program. Northwestern's ascension in the world of intercollegiate athletics is a testament to Jim's vision, leadership and foundational dedication to the success of student-athletes. The ACC is fortunate to have someone of Jim's caliber and integrity lead the conference at this pivotal moment in intercollegiate athletics."

Phillips's strong leadership within Northwestern athletics includes the addition of the $270 million Ryan Fieldhouse and Walters Athletic Center–home to the football team and other programs. He also influenced the renovation of the Welsh-Ryan Arena.

During Phillips's tenure, the men's basketball team reached the NCAA tournament in 2017 for the first time in school history. The football team has had much success in recent seasons and is set to play Ohio State in the Big Ten championship this week, marking the Wildcats' second trip to the title game in three seasons.

"Serving Northwestern student athletes, staff and the greater Wildcats family for the last 13 years has been the privilege of my professional life," Phillips said in a statement. "My career has been dedicated to the development and betterment of student athletes, and I am thrilled for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to guide one of the most prestigious and accomplished athletic organizations in the world."

Prior to joining Northwestern, Phillips served as Northern Illinois' athletic director for four years. His ties to the ACC include his previous work under Duke athletic director Kevin White, who he served with at both Notre Dame and Arizona State. 

After Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney retired last January, Phillips had plenty of support from other athletic directors around the conference to replace him. Instead, Minnesota Vikings executive Kevin Warren was selected, and he's had a rough first year dealing with the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.