The South Florida Bulls are implementing numerous administrative changes to their athletic program. Recently, the program welcomed Rob Higgins as its new CEO for Athletics. Another prominent $12 million face has appeared on the Bulls panel, bringing along his experience from the pro league to collegiate football.

On Thursday, Higgins made his first ‘prominent’ hire in Retired Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks. He will be joining the Bulls in the capacity of Chief Operating Officer. “Former Bucs/Florida State LB Derrick Brooks named Chief Operating Officer for USF Athletics,” as reported by Brett McMurphy. “The first prominent hire for Rob Higgins, USF’s new CEO for Athletics.” A graduate of Florida State University, the 52-year-old has ties to the city apart from his gridiron contributions.

After spending more than a decade in the NFL, he retired in 2010. “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,” Higgins added. The former DPOY’s new role will demand most of his attention. Overseeing revenue generation, sports tourism strategy, and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience would be among his responsibilities, along with other key roles.

He will further serve as the lead community ambassador for the program and will work together with Higgins for Football and Men’s Basketball Administration. Higgins continued. “We have been fortunate to work with Derrick many times over the last two decades, including bringing the Super Bowl to Tampa and hosting that event. We could not be more excited to welcome his passion, energy, and expertise at USF Athletics as our new COO.”

Brooks led his program to a national championship in 1993 and was a three-time First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection. His pro league career is as impressive. Winning the Super Bowl in 2002, he has 11 Pro Bowl selections and nine All-Pro selections to his name. Not to forget his 2002 Defensive Player of the Year award and more. Following his retirement, he held multiple leadership roles across the industry.

Before coming to USF Bulls, he served as the Executive Vice President of Corporate and Community Development at Vinik Sports Group. Additionally, he served on the board of Florida State University Board of Trustees, the Florida Department of Education Foundation, Saint Leo University, and the Florida Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. Moreover, his business and investment experience spanning start-ups and lending ventures is an asset for the program. He served as the President of Tampa Bay Sports & Football Entertainment LLC and the owner of the Tampa Bay Storm Arena Football.

Derrick Brooks: “There is no better time to be a Bull!”

Equipped with knowledge from both sides of the industry, Derrick Brooks is coming to the USF Bulls. A former professional player and someone with administrative experience, he will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer at USF Athletics. “There is no better time to be a Bull!” Brooks said.

His daughter DaNia is already a member of the USF Athletics, playing softball for the program. “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,” he added.

Over the years, his love for football remained constant. This time, not on the turf, but outside the 100-yard zone, he worked as an NFL analyst for ESPN for three years till 2012. “He’s the ultimate role model for our student-athletes,” AD Higgins added, welcoming the NFL star to the South Florida Bulls.