Murray State University Athletics
Staff Directory
Derek Doolittle
- Title:
- Assistant Vice President & Deputy AD/COO
Derek Doolittle was named the Assistant Vice President & Deputy Director of Athletics and Chief Operating Officer for Murray State Athletics on August 4, 2026.
Doolittle joins the Racers following an accomplished career in collegiate athletics and most recently as the General Manager of the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
In this role, Doolittle will oversee the day-to-day operations of Murray State Athletics and work closely with Yantko and the athletics executive team to continue advancing the department's long-term vision and support Murray State's continued growth during a transformational era of college athletics.
During his tenure as General Manager of the Rose Bowl Stadium, Doolittle oversaw one of the most recognizable venues in the world, overseeing the annual Rose Bowl Game, College Football Playoff games, international soccer matches, concerts and numerous community events. He provided executive leadership for operations, capital improvements, and strategic planning while collaborating with public officials, community partners and international and domestic event organizers.
Prior to his leadership at the Rose Bowl, Doolittle built a distinguished career in collegiate athletics with stops at both UCLA and Missouri, developing expertise in operations, capital project oversight, and organizational leadership.
Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for building collaborative teams, enhancing operational efficiency and delivering first-class experiences for student-athletes, fans and external stakeholders.
Doolittle began his career as a graduate associate in the Springfield College (Mass.) Athletic Department. While at Springfield, Doolittle held a multitude of responsibilities relating to event management, marketing, compliance, media relations and merchandising.
A native of Binghamton, New York, Doolittle holds his Bachelor Degree in Sport Management from Cazenovia College and a Masters in Athletic Administration from Springfield College (Mass.). He will reside in Murray with his wife Jenna.
Doolittle joins the Racers following an accomplished career in collegiate athletics and most recently as the General Manager of the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
In this role, Doolittle will oversee the day-to-day operations of Murray State Athletics and work closely with Yantko and the athletics executive team to continue advancing the department's long-term vision and support Murray State's continued growth during a transformational era of college athletics.
During his tenure as General Manager of the Rose Bowl Stadium, Doolittle oversaw one of the most recognizable venues in the world, overseeing the annual Rose Bowl Game, College Football Playoff games, international soccer matches, concerts and numerous community events. He provided executive leadership for operations, capital improvements, and strategic planning while collaborating with public officials, community partners and international and domestic event organizers.
Prior to his leadership at the Rose Bowl, Doolittle built a distinguished career in collegiate athletics with stops at both UCLA and Missouri, developing expertise in operations, capital project oversight, and organizational leadership.
Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for building collaborative teams, enhancing operational efficiency and delivering first-class experiences for student-athletes, fans and external stakeholders.
Doolittle began his career as a graduate associate in the Springfield College (Mass.) Athletic Department. While at Springfield, Doolittle held a multitude of responsibilities relating to event management, marketing, compliance, media relations and merchandising.
A native of Binghamton, New York, Doolittle holds his Bachelor Degree in Sport Management from Cazenovia College and a Masters in Athletic Administration from Springfield College (Mass.). He will reside in Murray with his wife Jenna.
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