Florida State football legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks has joined the University of South Florida as COO for USF Athletics. <\/p>\n
The move marks the first major hire under new athletics CEO Rob Higgins. It brings one of Tampa Bay\u2019s most respected leaders into a role that connects athletics, business and community impact.<\/p>\n
What Happened<\/p>\n
Brooks joins USF\u2019s senior leadership team effective immediately. He will oversee football and men\u2019s basketball administration, revenue generation, sports tourism strategy and community engagement across Tampa Bay\u2019s professional sports network.<\/p>\n
He brings more than 15 years of executive experience, including his tenure as executive vice president of corporate and community development for Vinik Sports Group, parent company of the Tampa Bay Lightning. <\/p>\n
He is president and founder of Derrick Brooks Charities, co-founder of Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School and serves on several boards including Kforce, the Florida Department of Education Foundation and the Florida State Fair Authority.<\/p>\n
READ: Tampa to host 2029 CFP National Championship<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe University of South Florida has long held a special place in my heart and for my family,\u201d Brooks said. \u201cI cannot think of a university or an athletics department with brighter futures than ours, and I am ready to get to work and excited to join Rob, his staff and the tremendous student-athletes and coaches who make USF Athletics a one-of-one college athletic department.\u201d<\/p>\n His daughter, Dania, is a junior infielder on USF\u2019s championship softball team, adding a personal tie to his new post.<\/p>\n A three-time All-American at Florida State and 1993 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Brooks helped lead the Seminoles to a national title before anchoring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers\u2019 defense through a 14-year career that included a Super Bowl victory and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.<\/p>\n What\u2019s Happening Next<\/p>\n Brooks joins USF as it moves toward the construction of its on-campus football stadium and continues to expand its athletics district. <\/p>\n His leadership is expected to strengthen sponsorships, community partnerships and corporate engagement as the Bulls prepare for their 60th season in 2025-26.<\/p>\n Higgins said Brooks\u2019 addition will help \u201cbuild something special\u201d for student-athletes, alumni and fans while reinforcing USF\u2019s role in the region\u2019s growing sports economy.<\/p>\n What this means for Tampa Bay<\/p>\n Brooks\u2019 appointment highlights how Tampa Bay\u2019s sports ecosystem continues to mature under professional-grade leadership. His background blends athletic prestige with corporate strategy and civic influence \u2014 a combination that can expand USF\u2019s reach and attract new investment across sports, tourism and education.<\/p>\n READ: From Bolita to Billups: Tampa\u2019s long history with La Cosa Nostra<\/a><\/p>\n For business leaders, the hire demonstrates how trusted local figures can enhance institutional credibility and foster community engagement. <\/p>\n Brooks\u2019 evolution from linebacker to executive underscores how discipline and character translate into sustained organizational success.<\/p>\n The big picture<\/p>\n Derrick Brooks\u2019 appointment unites two of Tampa Bay\u2019s strongest brands, USF and its professional sports community, under a shared vision of leadership and local pride. <\/p>\n His presence brings strategic depth and homegrown credibility to an athletics department intent on setting a new standard in college sports.<\/p>\n Stay Connected<\/p>\n Sign up for TBBW\u2019s newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n