Morgantown, WV – Oliver Luck is a name that Mountaineer fans know well. After playing his collegiate career for West Virginia University in the 1970s, he returned to Morgantown to serve as the athletic director in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
After leaving for other ventures, Country Roads have once again led Luck back to Morgantown. According to John Raby of The Associated Press, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has appointed Luck to the Board of Governors at West Virginia University.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey has appointed former WVU athletic director Oliver Luck to the WVU Board of Governors.
— John Raby (@jrabyap) July 11, 2025
This is massive news for the university as Luck brings an innovative and business mindset to West Virginia University. During his time as athletic director, he made many decisions that positively impact the Mountaineers today. On the Board of Governors, we expect this to continue for the university.
During his career at West Virginia, Luck was a three-year starting quarterback and was twice named the team MVP, leading the Mountaineers to a Peach Bowl upset win over Florida in 1981. Luck was then selected in the 1982 NFL Draft, where he was selected #44 overall in the 2nd round by the Houston Oilers. Luck played for the Oilers as a backup behind Warren Moon from 1982-1986. Following his playing career, Luck has had extensive professional experience and accomplishments:
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NFL Europe (formerly World League):
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GM of Frankfurt Galaxy (1991–1992) and Rhein Fire (1995–1996).
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President of the league through 2000.
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Houston Sports Authority (2001–2005):
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Oversaw financing/construction of major venues including Minute Maid Park and NRG Stadium.
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Houston Dynamo (2005–2010):
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First president/GM; during his tenure MLS Cup titles in 2006 and 2007. Helped develop a downtown soccer stadium.
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West Virginia University AD (2010–2014):
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Oversaw move to Big 12, multimedia rights deal (~$86M), coaching hires, Title IX & compliance reforms.
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Served on inaugural College Football Playoff Selection Committee in 2013.
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NCAA Executive (2014–2018):
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Executive VP for Regulatory Affairs, leading academics, eligibility, compliance enforcement
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XFL Commissioner & CEO (2018–2020):
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Appointed first commissioner of the relaunched XFL in June 2018. League paused amid COVID-19, he was terminated in April 2020 and later filed wrongful termination suit.
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(Photo by WVU Athletics)
