End of an Era: South Alabama AD Joel Erdmann Announces Retirement

MOBILE, Ala. — After more than a decade and a half of leadership that reshaped an entire athletics program, Joel Erdmann, Director of Athletics at the University of South Alabama, has announced he will retire effective May 31, 2026.

Erdmann, the longest-tenured athletic director in the Sun Belt Conference, has led South Alabama Athletics since July 2009, leaving behind a legacy defined by growth, competitiveness, and significant infrastructure development.

His arrival coincided with a pivotal moment in university history. Just one month after taking the role, South Alabama football kicked off its inaugural season in August 2009. Erdmann would go on to become the only athletic director the program has ever known, guiding it from its infancy into a stable and competitive member of the Sun Belt.

One of Erdmann’s most visible achievements came through his commitment to facilities. Under his leadership, the Jaguars transitioned from off-campus venues to a fully realized on-campus footprint. That vision materialized with the construction of Hancock Whitney Stadium and the Jaguar Training Center, projects that elevated both recruiting and the student-athlete experience. In total, Erdmann oversaw more than $100 million in facility upgrades, benefiting every sport within the department.

On the field, the results were equally impressive. South Alabama Athletics flourished into a consistent contender across multiple sports. During Erdmann’s tenure, the Jaguars captured 41 conference championships and made 52 NCAA postseason appearances. The department’s overall excellence was recognized with six Vic Bubas Cup titles, including a dominant stretch of four consecutive wins from 2014 through 2018.

University President Jo Bonner praised Erdmann’s contributions, noting that his leadership helped elevate the university’s national profile and strengthen its commitment to student-athlete success both academically and athletically.

As the university prepares for a leadership transition, Bonner has appointed Daniel McCarthy as interim director of athletics. McCarthy, a longtime administrator at South Alabama, has been with the university since 2008 and has served as deputy athletic director since 2017. His familiarity with the department is expected to provide continuity during the transition period.

Erdmann’s retirement marks the close of a transformative chapter for South Alabama Athletics. From launching a football program to building championship-caliber teams and facilities, his impact will be felt across campus for years to come.