SEC names Roman Oben Associate Commissioner for Football

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (February 11, 2026) – Roman Oben, Vice President of Football Development Strategy for the National Football League and a 12-year NFL playing veteran, has been named Associate Commissioner for Football by the Southeastern Conference.

“Roman Oben brings a rare combination of elite football experience and high-level sports-business leadership, with more than 15 years serving in senior executive and board roles across professional football, collegiate athletics, and global sport development,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “Roman is well-positioned to grow SEC football through campus engagement and innovative operational strategies, and he will play a central role in advancing the SEC’s national influence and long-term success in college football.”

As the SEC’s Associate Commissioner for Football, Roman Oben will serve as the Conference’s senior leader for football operations, policy, and stakeholder engagement, reporting directly to the Commissioner. In this role, Oben will provide strategic leadership for SEC football, working closely with Conference staff, athletics directors, and head football coaches to ensure continued competitive excellence while navigating an increasingly complex national landscape.

“Joining the SEC is an incredible honor,” Roman said. “The tradition, competition and passion of SEC football are unmatched, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve its coaches, administrators, and student-athletes. I look forward to working with Commissioner Sankey, Charlie Hussey and the outstanding leadership within this conference to strengthen alignment, support institutional priorities, and advance the game with integrity, clarity and purpose.”

Oben will serve as the Conference Office’s primary liaison to head football coaches, administrators, and national governing bodies. He will foster strategic alignment and collaboration and will advise the Commissioner and Conference leadership on key national governance, policy, and regulatory issues, ensuring alignment with the SEC’s mission, competitive standards, and commitment to student-athlete welfare.

Oben will maintain regular engagement with SEC institutions through campus visits throughout the football calendar to support proactive communication and alignment. He will also represent the SEC in national working groups and policy discussions, and support initiatives that promote student-athlete welfare and the sustained health of the sport.

As Vice President of Football Development within NFL Football Operations, Oben helped shape the league’s participation and development strategy across all levels of the sport. He guided the NFL’s college outreach efforts, served as a primary liaison to organizations such as the AFCA and the National Football Foundation, and played a key role in NCAA–NFL collaboration on eligibility and underclassmen policies. Oben worked extensively with all 32 clubs, corporate partners, and external stakeholders to drive football growth, elevate coach and player education, and build platforms that support the sport’s long-term future.

Oben also served as the NFL’s liaison to premier college all-star events, including the East–West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl, partnering with organizers and NFL general managers on coaching staff selection and alignment between the college and professional environments. In addition, he served on the NFL Scouting Combine Board, helping guide player experience strategy and club coordination at one of the league’s most visible annual events for pro prospects and was instrumental in coordinating return-to-play efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oben has led cross-functional teams and managed complex stakeholder ecosystems involving NFL clubs, collegiate institutions, high school athletic associations, international partners, and corporate sponsors. He directed the development of nationally recognized education platforms including the NFL/NCAA Administrators Academy, and the NFL College Outreach Game Plan, expanding educational and professional opportunities for student-athletes and administrators alike.

Oben is a 12-year NFL veteran who played in 143 games with 130 starts as an offensive tackle after being selected in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of the University of Louisville. He began his career with the Giants (1996–1999) and the Cleveland Browns (2000–2001), before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-2003), where he was the starting left tackle on their Super Bowl XXXVII championship team in the 2002 season.  He finished his career in 2007 with the San Diego Chargers.

His transition from player to executive reflects a longstanding commitment to leadership and development. While still competing, he earned a master’s degree in public administration from Farleigh Dickinson University after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Louisville.  He served multiple terms as an NFL Players Association team representative, supporting education and benefit initiatives for current and former players. Following his retirement, he held leadership roles across business development, media, and player engagement before joining the NFL league office.

Oben and his wife Linda Claude-Oben have two sons who currently play football.  RJ, who played football at Duke and Notre Dame, is a defensive end for the Louisville Kings of the United Football League, and André is an offensive lineman at North Carolina A&T.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT ROMAN OBEN:

“As a Super Bowl winner, former student-athlete, and a seasoned collaborator Roman always has been a bridge-builder throughout the football ecosystem. Roman is a visionary leader who understands and has an appreciation of football who will preserve the longstanding SEC championship tradition and grow the game to new levels.”

-- Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations

“College football just got a huge win with the Southeastern Conference’s appointment of Roman Oben as Associate Commissioner for Football. Roman’s experience bridging the NFL and college football is unmatched, and his leadership, intelligence, and presence make him a tremendous addition to the SEC. I thank Commissioner Greg Sankey for showing his continued commitment to strengthening college football by making this outstanding hire.”

— Craig Bohl, Executive Director, American Football Coaches Association

“Roman is a tremendous hire for the SEC, especially given the fast-changing dynamics in college football.   He has a unique skill set, not only from playing in the NFL for 12 years, but also from his work within the league office and the areas where he has been able to assist and solve problems.   His deep knowledge of the NFL's inner workings, combined with his passion for football, will make the SEC even stronger than it is today.  He will be a great sounding board for SEC coaches and the student-athletes.   I am not only excited for Roman but also the game of football because his care and passion for it will be good for the game."

—Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts

“Today’s climate of constant change requires a uniquely skilled, steady, and strong hand to provide leadership and navigate the future.  The hiring of Roman Oben by the Southeastern Conference to lead their football efforts is the right person at the right time. His experiences in the trenches as an executive, a parent, and a player will serve the SEC and college football very well, now and into the future. The NFF salutes Greg Sankey and congratulates Roman.”

-- Steve Hatchell, President & CEO, National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame

“Roman Oben’s passion for football — at every level — and his commitment to supporting the game’s stakeholders have made a meaningful impact during his time at the NFL and will serve the SEC well moving forward. Together, we’ve worked to expand access to advanced helmet technology, protective equipment, and essential resources — helping programs better protect their athletes and strengthen the game for the future.”

-- Allison Boersma, President & CEO of Riddell

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