Former Sugar Bowl CEO Paul Hoolahan passes away at 72

Paul Hoolahan, former CEO of the Sugar Bowl, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, the Sugar Bowl announced. He was 72.

Hoolahan became the Sugar Bowl’s executive director in 1996 and stayed in the role until his retirement in 2019. During his tenure, he played a key role in five national championships at the Sugar Bowl, including the landmark 2012 game between Alabama and LSU.

In addition to his role with the Sugar Bowl, Hoolahan made an impact in other ways on the national stage. He played a key part in orchestrating an agreement between the SEC and Big 12, which runs through 2025. That came about in 2013. He also helped guarantee the Sugar Bowl to be part of four College Football Playoff semifinals, the last of which will come in 2024, as part of the deal.

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“Paul Hoolahan was a true legend in college football circles and a great advocate for the Sugar Bowl and New Orleans,” Jeff Hundley, the Sugar Bowl’s current CEO, said in a statement. “His numerous accomplishments in leading the Bowl were important in maintaining the organization’s position as a leader in postseason college football. 

“But those of us who knew him best will remember his fun and generous spirit, one that was unique in charm and wit and endeared him to people around the country.  Paul was at the same time intensely tough and tenderhearted. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed by everyone at the Sugar Bowl.”

Before his involvement with the Sugar Bowl, Hoolahan served as the athletic director at Vanderbilt in 1990 and took the Commodores to the SEC a year later. He stayed in that position until 1996 when he joined the Sugar Bowl.

Hoolahan also played football at North Carolina, where he became an All-ACC lineman.