Forbes calls AD Rob Mullens the man behind the Ducks

UO Athletic Director Rob Mullens got a shout-out this week from Forbes magazine in a regular feature on the executives behind prominent sports teams.

Calling Mullens the athletic director behind the "Decade of the Ducks," Forbes touts the UO’s Top Duck as a leader who helped make Oregon athletics one of the most recognizable brands in college sports. That decade is not yet half over ― Mullens came to the UO in 2010 ― but in that time the Duck football team has played in four BCS bowl games, including the national championship game in 2011, and has rolled to an overall record of 51-6.

But the article notes that the success hasn’t come only around the pigskin. All together, the university’s 20 intercollegiate sports teams have won eight national championships since 2010.

The article also highlights the university’s relationship with Nike co-founder Phil Knight and the expansion of its athletics facilities. It credits Mullens for visionary leadership and innovation.

“We want to prove that we can sustain this success and compete for championships in all 20 sports, which we think we can do,” Mullens told the magazine. “We want to continue to grow our fan base and provide an exceptional experience for our student-athletes.”

The full article is available here.