University of Tennessee Athletics
Robinson Named Senior Associate A.D.
July 16, 2015 | General
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- The University of Tennessee Athletics Department announced Thursday the addition of Ryan Robinson as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Communications. Robinson is currently employed as the Director of Public Relations for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars. In that role, Robinson coordinates local, regional and national media opportunities and works directly with the head football coach, coaching staff, front office and players.
At Tennessee, Robinson will oversee Media Relations, Public Relations, Internet Operations and Creative Services, and he will be the primary communications strategist for football and the athletic department administration. Robinson will report to Dave Hart, Vice Chancellor & Director of Athletics, and will serve as a member of the UTAD's Leadership Team.
Robinson will officially join the UT staff on July 31. He replaces Jimmy Stanton, who accepted a position as V.P. of Communications with the NFL's Tennessee Titans in May.
"Ryan brings a great deal of relevant experience working with coaches, front-office staff and players that will translate to the college athletics environment," Hart said. "Additionally, he brings a new level of public relations expertise that will be a great asset to our Leadership Team."
Prior to his 10-year stint with the Jaguars communications team (2005-2015), Robinson served as Executive Director of Peyton Manning's PeyBack Foundation (2001-05) and Assistant Director of Public Relations for the Indianapolis Colts (1999-2001).
"As a first-time head coach, I can't say enough about Ryan and what he has meant to me the last two-plus years," Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley said. "Ryan went above and beyond to make sure it was a seamless transition for our staff and players. He has a great relationship with the local and national media and made sure covering the Jaguars was a good experience for all involved. Not only do I respect him as a public relations professional, but I'm also glad to call him a friend. He's very deserving of this opportunity with the University of Tennessee and we will definitely miss him in Jacksonville."
Robinson, an Ashland, Kentucky, native, earned his bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Kentucky in 1997, where he served as a Media Relations Assistant.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES ABOUT ROBINSON
David Caldwell, Jaguars General Manager
"I have had the opportunity to work with Ryan at two different places, the Colts and the Jaguars, and I have a lot of respect for how he approaches his job. Ryan understands the needs of the local and national media and has done a great job of building relationships in his career. He has been a huge asset to our coaching staff and players the last two years in Jacksonville. He will be missed in Jacksonville, but I couldn't be more excited for him and this opportunity at Tennessee."
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos Quarterback and VFL
"I've had the privilege of working with Ryan Robinson, first with the Indianapolis Colts and more directly when we chose Ryan to serve as the Executive Director of the PeyBack Foundation. He has the all attributes of a proven communications professional, but I think what makes Ryan special is the genuine relationships that he builds with the people he works with. He will be a tremendous addition to the Volunteer family."
