People on the Move: Patrick Lyons Named New URI AD

People on the Move: Patrick Lyons Named New URI AD

Pat Lyons, a Rhode Island native, has been named the next vice president and director of athletics at the University of Rhode Island. 

Formerly, Lyons was the AD at Iona and Seton Hall.

At Iona, he ended the school's football program. "It is with a heavy heart and careful deliberations that we have come to this extremely difficult decision," said Director of Athletics Patrick Lyons at the time.  “The dissolution of the MAAC Football League after the 2007 season and the lack of equitable opponents in Division I FCS football was the main factor in the decision.”

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Big Challenges:

Lyons will need to handle two pressing issues. First, making a decision on the future of the men's basketball head coach, Archie Miller, who has struggled in his first four years. Miller is 55-70 during his tenure.

Seocnd, he will need to make sure that Tammi Reiss, the women's head coach, does not leave for proverbial greener pastures. She led the Rams to only their second NCAA bid.

At URI, he replaces Thorr Bjorn, who left to go to the University of Massachusetts to assist in running its struggling football program.

“Pat is an accomplished leader who understands both the competitive landscape of Division I athletics and the broader mission of a modern research university,” said Marc B. Parlange, president of the University of Rhode Island. “His experience leading nationally competitive athletics programs and serving in a senior executive role overseeing university operations gives him a uniquely comprehensive perspective. We are thrilled to welcome him to the University of Rhode Island and look forward to the leadership he will bring to Rhody athletics.”

“The opportunity to serve the University of Rhode Island is a tremendous honor for both me and my family,” said Lyons in a statement. “I want to thank President Parlange and the search committee for the trust they’ve placed in me. Rhode Island has a passionate fan base and a proud tradition of athletic excellence. In today’s evolving college athletics landscape, we will focus on positioning URI to compete for championships in the Atlantic 10 Conference and CAA Football, earning national recognition across our programs, and setting a standard for student-athlete wellness and academic achievement. Athletics plays a vital role in the University’s remarkable momentum—enhancing its reputation and amplifying its impact locally and nationally. Equally important, we will deepen our connection with the people of this state and our alumni everywhere—strengthening Rhody pride across Rhode Island, throughout New England, and across the country.”