UNM athletic director Nuñez leaves for University of Houston

Aug. 17—Eddie Nuñez gets to keep his outfit color scheme for work; he will just do it for a different school.

After seven years as the vice president/athletic director at the University of New Mexico, Nuñez can still wear red as he will become the vice president for intercollegiate athletics at the University of Houston. UNM announced his departure Saturday afternoon after a week of speculation as the leading candidate for the Big 12 school.

Nuñez will be introduced at his new school Wednesday.

"I am incredibly honored to join the University of Houston and lead the Cougars during this exciting time," Nuñez in a Houston news release. "I look forward to building on UH's strong foundation of athletic and academic excellence, and I am committed to providing our student-athletes with the resources and support they need to succeed both on the field and in the classroom."

Nuñez made his reputation as a program fixer as he took over a moribund New Mexico athletic department that was swimming in a sea of controversy and fiscal turmoil. He was hired in August of 2017 to replace Paul Krebs after he resigned over a firestorm regarding a golf junket with administrators, coaches and boosters to Scotland in 2015 that sparked investigations by the state auditor and the attorney general.

Upon Nuñez's hire, the athletic department had a budget deficit that reached $4.3 million after the 2015-16 school year, saw attendance for the men's basketball and football programs shrinking and dealt with the fallout over the suspected miss use of a purchase card by the men's basketball program's director of operations during the 2015-16 season.

UNM touted Nuñez's successes in its news release of his departure, citing 53 NCAA Tournament appearances by athletic programs during his seven years, as well as 22 Mountain West titles and a national champion in cross-country in 2017. He also oversaw the turnaround of the men's basketball program, hiring Richard Pitino to take over in 2021. By his third season, the Lobos won the Mountain West Conference Tournament championship and made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 10 years in March.

Nuñez also oversaw the construction of the New Mexico Mutual Champions Training Center, which opened in 2023.

"He has led Lobo Nation with pride and enthusiasm, and he and his wife Jane have been terrific ambassadors for UNM and our athletic department," UNM President Garnett S. Stokes said in a news release. "Our success on the field and in the classroom is a reflection of his leadership, and it is a source of pride for all Lobos."

That track record attracted Houston administrators to him.

"His leadership will be critical as we continue to elevate our athletics programs, enhance the student-athlete experience and build on the tremendous momentum at the University of Houston," Houston President Renu Khator said.

Nuñez came to UNM from Louisiana State University where he spent 14 years in various roles and rose to deputy director of athletics. When he left the school, Nuñez oversaw the men's basketball and tennis programs, plus served as the department's liaison to LSU Sports Properties, the Tiger Athletic Foundation and university licensing and brand management.