The Pac-12 has appointed Merton Hanks, a former San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl champion and former Conference USA executive, as their new senior associate commissioner for football operations.
Merton Hanks, a former Super Bowl winning safety with the San Francisco 49ers and senior associate commissioner in Conference USA, has been hired as the Pac-12′s new senior associate commissioner for football operations.
Expressing his excitement in a public statement, Hanks mentioned how proud he is to join the 'Conference of Champions.' He highlighted the world-class academic reputation and deep football traditions of the Pac-12, noting that he is eager to work alongside Commissioner Larry Scott and the conference's athletic leadership to support the success of the student-athletes.
Hanks' role will encompass the entire spectrum of football administration for the Pac-12, including the management of the Championship Game, bowl partnerships, scheduling, and officiating. He will serve as the primary liaison between the conference and its coaches, athletic directors, and the NCAA. Furthermore, he will represent the conference on the NCAA Football Rules Committee and the College Football Officiating Board of Managers and Competition Committee.
Operating out of the San Francisco headquarters, Hanks will report to Commissioner Larry Scott. Scott expressed his delight in the appointment, noting that football is a top priority for the conference and that Hanks' dual experience in the NFL and college ranks will be a major advantage for senior management. Hanks takes over the position following the resignation of Woodie Dixon earlier this month.
For the past four years, Hanks was a key figure at CUSA, where he managed critical aspects of both football and baseball operations, specifically focusing on player safety, conduct, scheduling, and officiating.
Hanks also boasts a lengthy tenure at the NFL league office, where he spent 13 years. From 2011 to 2016, he served as VP of football operations and compliance, following an eight-year stint in consumer products and football operations. During his time with the NFL, he handled compliance appeals, pushed for equipment and safety improvements, and co-chaired the College Relations and Campus Visitation Committee. He also acted as the primary link between the NFL and organizations like the NCAA, NFLPA, and AFCA.