Steve Patterson.
The Arizona Coyotes have hired former Arizona State University (ASU) athletic director Steve Patterson as team president and CEO.
Patterson replaces Anthony LeBlanc, who vacated the post June 16 after owner Andrew Barroway bought out his minority partners June 12. Patterson was introduced at a news conference Thursday at Gila River Arena, alongside new coach Rick Tocchet.
Patterson is no stranger to the area; he started with ASU’s athletic department in July 2011 as chief operating officer and managing director of Sun Devil Sports Group. He was named athletic director in March 2012 and led the creation and development of ASU's 425-acre sports facility district.
He left to become University of Texas, Austin, athletic director in November 2013, but resigned after less than two years following disapproval from fans for raising ticket prices.
Before embarking on college athletics, Patterson spent nearly two decades as an executive with the Houston Texans, Houston Rockets and Portland Trail Blazers. He’s also currently the president of Pro Sports Consulting. He was also part of the development of Reliant Stadium (now NRG Stadium, Houston).
The Coyotes are currently scheduled to play only next season at Gila River Arena in Glendale, but their future at the arena is tenuous, as Barroway has indicated he wants to move the team.