Not only did the UCLA Bruins get a 45-24 win to begin their 2026 season, the Bruins got a bit more clarity into the future of their athletic department via a tweet from UCLA chancellor Julio Frenk.
Ahead of Saturday’s game versus Cal, Frenk posted a photo of himself and the Bruins’ new CEO and athletic director Tim Harris, with Frenk calling Harris the “permanent” CEO and AD for UCLA.
During last week’s firing of Martin Jarmond and the hiring of Harris, it was still to be determined if Frenk would eventually seek a different long-term AD and CEO for the Bruins. Turns out, it’ll be Harris leading the way for the foreseeable future.
“Game day with Tim Harris, our permanent CEO and athletics director, as@UCLAFootball kicks off the season. There is something
special about seeing our community come together in support of our student-athletes. Go Bruins!” Frenk said.
Game day with Tim Harris, our permanent CEO and athletics director, as @UCLAFootball kicks off the season. There is something special about seeing our community come together in support of our student-athletes. Go Bruins!
— Julio Frenk (@UCLAchancellor) September 6, 2026
[Video description: A group does the UCLA 8-clap.] pic.twitter.com/oM2f6Gj23K
The announcement simplifies things for Frenk, allowing him to help Harris grow in the position rather than finding another candidate. Frenk wasn’t going to find a better value either, with Harris working for UCLA athletics on a pro bono basis.
Harris is a former UCLA soccer player who worked as an executive for the Los Angeles Lakers, which provided him with the business expertise that will help turn around the fiscal situation in the UCLA athletic department.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: UCLA's chancellor announces Tim Harris is school's permanent AD
