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LSU's Keli Zinn becomes highest-paid Rutgers AD in program history

On3 imageby:Shea Dixon•07/30/25•

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LSU's Keli Zinn is officially the new Athletics Director at Rutgers (Photo: Rutgers Athletics)
LSU's Keli Zinn is officially the new Athletics Director at Rutgers (Photo: Rutgers Athletics)

Rutgers officially announced the hire of Keli Zinn as the new athletic director Wednesday, ending a search that nearly lasted a year. Zinn comes over from LSU, where she served as the executive deputy athletic director and COO at LSU.

Zinn’s five-year contract, approved Wednesday by the Rutgers Board of Governors, calls for a salary of $1.35 million in its first year, with $50,000 annual increases. She’ll also be paid a $150,000 retention bonus every two years of the term.

The deal makes Zinn the highest-paid Athletics Director in Rutgers history in a deal that was executed by Rutgers President William F. Tate IV, who had previously served in the same role at LSU, where he worked alongside Zinn since 2022.

“I am honored to join Rutgers at this exciting juncture, and I want to thank President Tate and the Board of Governors for this incredible opportunity,” Zinn said, via. a release. “Where there are challenges, there are also opportunities, and I look forward to working with our campus leaders, student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, and fans to build on Rutgers’ strong tradition, amplify opportunities to support our athletic programs, maintain top‑tier compliance, and pursue excellence both on and off the field. We will compete with the nation’s best and we will represent the university with integrity and pride in all we do.”

New Rutgers president William F. Tate IV, who also came over from LSU, appointed Zinn as the new AD. She replaces Pat Hobbs, who resigned last August when he cited health issues. However, it was later reported by NJ Advance Media that Hobbs had an inappropriate relationship with gymnastics head coach Umme Salim-Beasley, who was investigated for alleged abuse of her players.

Now, Zinn will oversea an athletic department that was in much need of a boost going into the 2025-26 academic year. Rutgers football kicks off next month as they look for their third straight bowl game. On the surface, Zinn, who worked closely with the LSU football program, will certainly give a fresh perspective to the Scarlet Knights.

“Keli Zinn brings the strategic drive, operational excellence, and championship pedigree we need right now for Rutgers Athletics,” Tate said. “Her leadership style resonates deeply with Rutgers’ mission – competitiveness on the field, integrity in our practices, and excellence in the student‑athlete experience. She will guide Rutgers into a new era, with forward-looking leadership, tapping into the Rutgers Edge. We are thrilled to welcome Keli and her husband, Nate, to the Scarlet Knights Family.”

Zinn helped lead LSU to unprecedented success that included four national championships. Gymnastics, women’s basketball and baseball (twice) all won titles while she was in the administration.

“Zinn’s leadership in two power conferences – the Big 12 at West Virginia University and the SEC at LSU – has uniquely prepared her to lead within the Big Ten,” the release read. “At West Virginia, she served as interim athletic director in 2015, becoming the first woman to helm the department, and guided the university through the transition into the Big 12.”

Editor’s note: On3’s Nick Kosko helped contribute to this report

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