The search for Wisconsin's next athletic director is heating up. One month after Chris McIntosh stepped down to take on a new role as the Big Ten's deputy commissioner for strategy, the Badgers are moving forward with a structured plan to find his successor.

On May 12, the university officially announced a search firm, a nine-person committee, and a timeline for the hire. Interim AD Marcus Sedberry has already spoken with reporters, signaling that the process is well underway. This will mark only the third time in over 30 years that Wisconsin has hired a new athletic director.

The search committee is stacked with impressive names, including some of the most accomplished alumni in sports. Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard, Dallas Mavericks co-interim GM Michael Finley, and New Jersey Devils director of player development Meghan Duggan are all on board. Here's the full lineup:

Committee Chair: Lauren Bishop (UW professor, faculty athletics representative)

Members:

• Chris Ballard (Indianapolis Colts GM, former UW football player)
• Rob Cramer (UW vice chancellor for finance and administration, UW alum)
• Meghan Duggan (New Jersey Devils director of player development, former UW hockey player)
• Michael Finley (Dallas Mavericks co-interim GM, former UW basketball player)
• Elzie Higginbottom (president of East Lake Management & Development Corp., former UW track and field athlete)
• Marija Pientka (UW senior associate athletic director for sports administration, former UW women's tennis athlete)
• Michael Shannon (co-founder and former chairman/CEO of KSL Capital Partners, UW alum)
• William Smith (current UW men's soccer player, president of UW's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee)

This committee brings a wealth of experience from across the sports world, from NFL front offices to NBA leadership to professional hockey development. With spring football practice already underway at Camp Randall, the Badgers are clearly looking for a leader who can build on the program's momentum. As the search progresses, fans can expect updates on a hire that will shape Wisconsin athletics for years to come.