ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Athletics has announced the hiring of Nick Pumford as Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, effective immediately. 

In his role, Pumford will serve on the athletics senior staff and oversee Athletic Communications, Athletic Development, Creative and Emerging Media, Video/Broadcast Services, serve as liaison to PlayFly Sports Properties, and serve as the sport administrator for select sports programs. Pumford will also continue his general oversight of the OU Golf and Learning Center. 

"Nick will do an excellent job as Associate AD for External Operations. His leadership, character, and talents that helped him build the men's golf program and lead it to Horizon League team and individual successes will help him excel as Associate AD for External Operations, and serve an important role as a member of the athletics senior staff," said Oakland Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. "We will start a national search for the next head men's golf coach and I look forward to watching the new head coach build on the strong foundation of success that Nick established."

Pumford is a familiar face to the Golden Grizzly family, having served as the Oakland Men's Golf Head Coach, and director of the men's and women's golf programs, since 2016. During his time at the head of the men's golf team, he has turned Oakland into one of the top golf programs in the conference. He led them to their first ever conference championship title and NCAA Regional berth in 2021, along with back-to-back runner-up finishes at the Horizon League Championships in 2016-17 and 2017-18. Under Pumford, the program never finished worse than fifth in the league, earning him Horizon League Coach of the Year honors in the 2017-18 and 2020-21 seasons

Pumford's experience predates his time at Oakland, as he previously served as the top assistant for the Michigan men's golf team from 2011-2016. He was also a standout collegiate player as a Wolverine from 2005-09, making his way up to the pro ranks where he competed in the U.S. Amateur Championship, advancing to the Sweet 16 of the Michigan Amateur Championship on two different occasions and earning two top-10 finishes at the Michigan Open (2006, 2010).

"I'm incredibly honored to join Oakland University Athletics as the Associate Athletic Director for External Operations," said Pumford. "This is a tremendous opportunity to build on the strong foundation already in place, and to find new, innovative ways to connect with our fans, alumni, and community. I look forward to enhancing the Golden Grizzlies' presence and continuing to elevate our student-athlete experience."

With a strong history of leadership, a deep understanding of the collegiate athletics landscape, a dedication to student-athlete success, and commitment to excellence, his arrival will continue to drive the Golden Grizzlies forward.