McDermott retires as USF athletic director amid scandals

Joan McDermott’s time as the athletic director at the University of San Francisco is over after a tumultuous three-year tenure that included several scandals involving coach behavior as well as a run to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament earlier this spring.

McDermott was named the school’s AD in March 2019 after three years as a deputy under Scott Sidwell.

“These last six years have been very rewarding,” McDermott said in a release from the school. “I loved the opportunity to return to my alma mater and serve the USF community and I am proud of what has been accomplished during my time at USF.”

“Joan has been an integral part of the athletics administration at USF for the past six years and we are grateful for her many contributions to the USF community,” said Charlie Cross, vice president for business and finance, in the release.

The Dons’ men’s hoops team reached the West Coast Conference title game this season and earned a No. 10 seed in the NCAA Tournament, falling to No. 7-seeded Murray State in a thrilling first-round game. Shortly thereafter, coach Al Golden took a job at Florida and McDermott promoted assistant Chris Gerlufsen to lead the team.

But there was plenty of trouble at USF behind the scenes.

Longtime baseball coach Nino Giarratano was fired in February after a lawsuit filed by three ex-players named him, USF, the NCAA and former assistant coach Troy Nakamura alleging a pattern of sexualized and abusive behavior from Nakamura and allowed by Giarratano.

Another pending lawsuit from former women’s basketball players accuses current coach Molly Goodenbour of abusive coaching tactics.

A Sports Illustrated investigation published last September uncovered accusations of sexual harassment or abuse by men’s soccer players going back nearly 20 years.

USF will soon begin a national search for McDermott’s successor.