IRVING, Texas – Commissioner Mike Aresco has announced the hiring of veteran college football administrator Jaime Hixson as Associate Commissioner for Football at the American Athletic Conference.
 
Hixson will oversee all football-related matters for the conference, including scheduling, game operations, policy implementation, officiating, integration with television and bowl partners, administration of the annual American Athletic Conference Championship Game, and coordination of College Football Playoff matters. 
 
“I am extremely pleased to welcome Jaime Hixson to the American Athletic Conference,” said Aresco. “Jaime is an established leader and innovator who has done an outstanding job overseeing Mountain West Conference football for many years and has earned the respect of administrators, coaches and officials, as well as television and bowl partners. He will make immediate and long-term contributions to our football operations that will continue to position us among the elite FBS conferences.”
 
Hixson comes to The American after 17 years at the Mountain West Conference, including the last six years as Associate Commissioner. Hixson has been the primary sport administrator for football, serving as the primary point of contact between the conference office and the league’s head coaches, athletic directors and football administrators.
 
“Jaime Hixson has been a most valuable asset to the Mountain West for many years,” said Mountain West Commissioner Craig Thompson. “His dedication to the league has been extraordinary, and all the many constituents he has served are extremely indebted to him. He is a tremendous contributor to intercollegiate athletics, and we wish him the very best in this new chapter.”
 
“Jaime Hixson will be a valuable addition to the American Athletic Conference team,” said SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart, who is Chair of The American’s Athletic Directors Committee. “Scott Draper did an outstanding job, and being able to bring in someone with Jaime’s level of experience will provide for a smooth transition. We look forward to partnering with Jaime as we continue to elevate AAC football.”
 
“Jaime is highly respected nationally.” said Tulane Director of Athletics Troy Dannen, a member of the NCAA Football Oversight Committee and the Football Competition Committee, “His opinion on matters is sought and valued by the Football Oversight Committee, the Competition Committee, and certainly by his peer football administrators across FBS. He is imminently qualified to lead the football integration of our new members into the American Athletic Conference over the next year, which is vital to ensuring that we remain among the top six leagues when College Football Playoff expansion occurs.”
 
“We are excited for Jaime in this evolution of his career,” said Vice President of ESPN Events Clint Overby. “He’s a well-respected administrator and will play a key role in helping the American Athletic Conference and its football objectives.” 
 
Hixson administered the Mountain West’s day-to-day football operations as well as the annual championship game, television, game operations, instant replay, officiating, and bowl game relationships. He served as the staff liaison to the Mountain West Joint Council and the Mountain West Health and Safety Advisory Committee.
 
Hixson joined the Mountain West staff in 2005 as Assistant Director of Operations and was promoted three times, first to Director of Operations, then to Assistant Commissioner before assuming his most recent role as Associate Commissioner.
 
Hixson was presented with the Mountain West Commissioner’s Award following the 2021-22 academic year in recognition of distinguished accomplishments that have significantly enhanced the conference. The award was presented for only the fourth time in the 23-year history of the conference.
 
Hixson earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences and a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Illinois. He began his career as a graduate assistant in the Illinois athletic department, working in corporate sponsorships and marketing.