South Florida names NFL great Derrick Brooks as chief operating officer

University of South Florida CEO of Athletics Rob Higgins announced Thursday that Hall of Fame linebacker and Tampa Bay sports executive Derrick Brooks will serve as Chief Operating Officer for USF Athletics, effective immediately.

Brooks joins USF athletic department’s senior leadership team after more than 15 years in professional sports management, most recently as Executive Vice President of Corporate and Community Development at Vinik Sports Group. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star and Super Bowl champion also serves as President of Derrick Brooks Charities and co-founded Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School.

“We have committed to Bulls Nation to build something special here in USF Athletics,” Higgins said in a statement. “Derrick Brooks has been a pillar of Team Tampa Bay for 30 years. We could not be more excited to welcome his passion, energy and expertise as our new COO.”

In his new role, Brooks will oversee community engagement, football and men’s basketball administration, revenue generation, and relations with Tampa Bay’s professional franchises.

“There is no better time to be a Bull,” Brooks said. “USF holds a special place in my heart, especially with my daughter DaNia on the softball team. I’m excited to join Rob, his staff and our tremendous student-athletes. As Rob says, ‘All Gas. No Brakes. No Regrets. No Excuses.’ And I’ll just add: Go Bulls!”

A Pro and College Football Hall of Famer, Brooks played 14 seasons with Tampa Bay, earning 11 Pro Bowl selections, the 2002 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2000. 

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