Washington names Jennifer Cohen athletic director

Washington is promoting from within to fill its athletic director vacancy, as Julie Cohen has been named to the position effective June 1st.

Cohen, who currently holds the title of senior associate athletic director, has been filling the role on an interim basis for the past four months, after Scott Woodward left the position for Texas A&M.

"I am humbled, honored, and extremely thankful for this opportunity," Cohen said in a statement. "The University of Washington has been part of my life for nearly two decades, and I believe our department is poised to accomplish great things."

The school underwent an exhaustive four month national search to fill the role, but decided in the end that Cohen was best suited for the position. In recent years of her 18-year stint with Washington, the football and baseball programs have reported directly to her. The success of those programs under Cohen's watch certainly helped the administration in their decision.

"She has all the skills and energy to provide exceptional leadership for Husky athletics," University President Ana Mari Cauce said. "Her years of experience leading its fundraising program, along with her direct involvement overseeing football, provide a strong foundation for assuming overall leadership for the department."