Pac-12 Conference Hires Merton Hanks As Head Of Football Operations
Aug 20, 2020, 9:46 AM
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Pac-12 Conference announced that longtime NFL & college football executive Merton Hanks has been hired as the conference’s head of football operations.
Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott announced Hanks’ hire on Thursday, August 20.
“I am very pleased to welcome Merton Hanks to the Pac-12 to lead and drive the continued success of our Pac-12 football operations,” Scott said in a statement. “Football success is a priority for our athletic programs and the Conference, and having someone with the college football and NFL experience that Merton brings to the table will be a great asset for our members and senior management team.”
Hanks will be responsible for the Pac-12’s operations, officiating, replay command center, scheduling, bowl relationships, and title game. He will report directly to Scott.
Experienced @NFL & college football executive Merton Hanks joins the Pac-12 as head of football operations.
DETAILS: https://t.co/k5H33Ww7oo#Pac12FB | #BackThePac
— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) August 20, 2020
“I am excited to be joining the Conference of Champions and to have the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of the Pac-12’s football programs,” Hanks said of his new position. “The Pac-12 boasts world class universities and an incredible football history, and I look forward to working with the Pac-12 athletic directors, administrators, and Commissioner Scott’s great team to support our student-athletes success on and off the field.”
Hanks’ arrival to the Pac-12 comes after spending the past four years in Conference USA as Senior Associate Commissioner. Before his time in Conference USA, he spent 13 years in the NFL’s league office, including time as the league’s vice president of football operations and compliance.
Prior to his time as an administrator, Hanks played nine seasons in the NFL. He was a starter for the San Francisco 49ers and helped them win Super Bowl XXIX.
Hanks was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was a three-time All-Pro member. He was recently nominated for the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.