Northern Arizona University’s search for an athletic director wrapped up at a rapid pace. Richard Duran was officially announced as the next person to take a swing at the job late last month. He wasted no time taking inventory of the situation he finds himself in.
The former athletic director at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio was welcomed with cheers and a rendition of the NAU fight song as he was formally introduced at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29. Athletics staff and team members sat eagerly to meet their next leader.
Members of the Northern Arizona University Athletics community watch the introduction of Richard Duran as the new athletic director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
NAU president José Luis Cruz Rivera introduces Richard Duran as the new Athletics Director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
Richard Duran listens as NAU president José Luis Cruz Rivera introduces him as the new athletic director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
Gallery:
NAU Richard Duran Introduction
Jun 29, 2026
Members of the Northern Arizona University Athletics community watch the introduction of Richard Duran as the new athletic director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
NAU Richard Duran Introduction
Jun 29, 2026
Richard Duran speaks to the NAU Athletics community after NAU president José Luis Cruz Rivera introduced him as the new Athletics Director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
NAU Richard Duran Introduction
Jun 29, 2026
Richard Duran speaks to the NAU Athletics community after NAU president José Luis Cruz Rivera introduced him as the new Athletics Director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
NAU Richard Duran Introduction
Jun 29, 2026
Richard Duran listens as NAU president José Luis Cruz Rivera introduces him as the new athletic director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
NAU Richard Duran Introduction
Jun 29, 2026
NAU president José Luis Cruz Rivera introduces Richard Duran as the new Athletics Director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
NAU Richard Duran Introduction
Jun 29, 2026
NAU president José Luis Cruz Rivera introduces Richard Duran as the new Athletics Director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
NAU Richard Duran Introduction
Jun 29, 2026
Stayson Isobe, associate athletic director For communications and brand strategy, speaks before the introduction of Richard Duran as the new athletic director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
NAU Richard Duran Introduction
Jun 29, 2026
Stayson Isobe, associate athletic director for communications and brand strategy, speaks before the introduction of Richard Duran as the new athletic director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
NAU Richard Duran Introduction
Jun 29, 2026
Members of the Northern Arizona University Athletics community watch the introduction of Richard Duran as the new athletic director during a press conference at the NAU Student-Athlete High Performance Center on June 29.
About the Author
To get daily local headlines delivered to your inbox each morning, sign up for newsletter!
