One of the most fascinating things about living through this era of college football is watching programs navigate NIL and the Portal in real time. At North Texas, part of their solution arrives from a local high school.
Steve Keasler, the athletics director for powerhouse Southlake Carroll High School, announced late Tuesday night he is leaving the district to become UNT's general manager for football and senior associate AD for NIL.
"I am excited about this incredible opportunity in the rapidly-developing new landscape of college football," Keasler wrote. "I believe this position is simply too important to pass up."
Protectthetradition pic.twitter.com/EJxnpEVtXE
— Steve Keasler (@KeaslerGMG) August 6, 2024
Keasler's connection to North Texas and college football is not immediately apparent.
Over a career now stretching close to 25 years, Keasler rose the ranks as a teacher and golf coach at the high school and college levels before entering administration at the high school level. After four years as an assistant men's golf coach at Texas, Keasler became the AD for Midlothian ISD, south of Dallas, in 2008, and remained there until taking the Southlake Carroll job in 2018.
Now, he'll work alongside head coach Eric Morris to manage the Mean Green roster as well as manage and solicit name, image and likeness deals for UNT athletes.
Morris's existing staff includes assistant AD and chief of staff Rolando Surita, director of recruiting Justin Owens, director of scouting Ethan Russo, and director of on-campus recruiting Whitney Volentine. The athletics department employs a 5-member development and scholarship fund staff, but Keasler will be the first employee specifically hired to handle NIL.
North Texas looks to improve upon a 5-7 debut under Morris beginning Aug. 31 at South Alabama.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.
Update: The school has announced the hire. "Steve is great with people," Morris told FootballScoop. "He understands how to build relationships and connect the dots in a unique space."
"As the college athletics landscape continues to evolve, specifically with Name, Image, and Likeness, we have evaluated multiple structures and strategies to support NIL operations and the third-party relationships for our athletic department," AD Jared Mosley said in a statement. "We will continue to be flexible with our plans moving forward, but this addition of Steve to our staff is a great launching point for the Mean Green as we continue to provide the best experience for our student-athletes and generous supporters."