Rutgers University Athletic Director Pat Hobbs resigned from his post on Aug. 16.

Hobbs, 62, cited health-related reasons in a letter to Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway, which was obtained by NJBIZ.

“It is with great sadness that I am resigning as Athletic Director of Rutgers University effective immediately,” Hobbs wrote to Holloway. “After meeting with my cardiac team this week and having just been apprised of the results of my latest round of testing, it is clear that I can not continue to serve as Athletic Director given the requirements of the position. I recognize this is not the ideal timeframe to depart, however other factors need to take precedence.”

Describing his tenure at Rutgers as the highlight of his professional career, Hobbs noted and reflected on the highlights of his nine years with the Scarlet Knights., including on-the-field/court successes, the completion of several notable facility projects and more.

“What we have all accomplished and what I know Rutgers will continue to accomplish in the years ahead should leave us with nothing but pride,” said Hobbs. “Almost every program has seen success not seen in decades. Rutgers had nine teams appear in the national rankings during the 2021-22 season, the most programs ranked during the same season in school history. We are competing at the highest levels and vying for Big Ten Championships. I would have loved nothing more than to be on staff as the football team this fall attempts to make the playoffs, to see our men’s basketball program, including Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, take the basketball program to new heights this winter, and to see all of our teams continue to excel.”

Rutgers tapped Ryan Pisarri, deputy athletic director and chief of staff, to serve as interim director of Intercollegiate Athletics – and will begin a search for a new permanent athletic director.

A ‘remarkable nine-year tenure’

“I know you share my best wishes for Pat as he prioritizes his health,” Holloway wrote in a message to university leaders. “I want to thank Pat for his remarkable nine-year tenure at Rutgers, during which we have seen our men’s and women’s teams become leaders and successfully compete in the Big Ten – both on and off the field.”

“None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support from you personally, the administration, the best group of coaches, the best student-athletes and the best fans not only in the Big Ten but the entire country,” said Hobbs. “I am aware that these are challenging days for universities, and upon reflection acknowledge that that there were some decisions I made that were not always without error – however, I do believe I can walk away knowing I made a positive contribution to the Rutgers Athletics program. I extend my thanks to every one of them for all their contributions to the Rutgers community.”

“I will continue to cheer them on as they write the greatest chapter in Rutgers Athletics history,” Hobbs closed his letter.