Northwestern University announced the appointment of Pat Goss as Chief Operating Officer for Northwestern Athletics & Recreation in July 2025. A longstanding and accomplished figure within the Northwestern community, Goss led the golf program for decades and most recently served as Interim Senior Deputy Director of Athletics.
As Chief Operating Officer, Goss is responsible for critical operational functions including the finance and business office, human resources, the general manager position, event and facilities management, sport administration, equipment services, and information technology. Goss also plays a pivotal role in ensuring comprehensive care for student-athletes by overseeing the partnership with Northwestern Medicine, sports psychology, and student affairs. Additionally, he continues his direct involvement with the golf programs, serving as the sport administrator for both the men's and women's teams.
Goss brings more than three decades of comprehensive leadership and coaching experience within Northwestern Athletics. As Co-Sport Administrator, Goss provided comprehensive administrative oversight for Football and Men's Basketball, managing scheduling and related contracts, and acting as the Big Ten Conference liaison. Additionally, he played a central role in strategic initiatives, overseeing the implementation of revenue sharing and NIL Go platforms, and managing the initial budgeting, negotiation, and contract execution of NIL licensing agreements. His portfolio also included significant capital projects – such as the renovation of Kirkpatrick Softball Stadium – along with securing and hosting major events like the 2026 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Final Four, and finalizing key tenancy and game contracts with the Chicago Stars and the Premier Lacrosse League, all of which he will continue to be involved in.
Goss served as the Director of Golf for both the men's and women's programs since 2007. Prior to that, he served as the men's golf head coach from 1997 to 2014, having begun his coaching career as an assistant. A proud Northwestern alumnus, Goss also competed as a student-athlete on the golf team.
His executive experience is highlighted by his ability to develop and execute long-term impactful plans, build collaborative relationships across the department and campus, and his unwavering commitment to student-athlete welfare, evidenced by graduating every player he coached.
Under his leadership, Northwestern’s golf programs have become national powerhouses – earning an NCAA team championship, producing an NCAA Individual Champion and National Player of the Year, and developing numerous PGA Tour professionals. His programs have captured eight Big Ten team titles, nine Big Ten Individual Championships, and eight Big Ten Player of the Year honors, alongside a combined 26 All-Americans and over 100 academic All-America recognitions. They have qualified for 40 of the last 44 NCAA Championships including NCAA Championship Final finishes of first, second, third, fifth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth.
Goss has coached more than 15 players who have competed on the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour, including serving as the full-time coach of Luke Donald for 17 years, during which Donald achieved the world’s No. 1 ranking for 56 weeks in 2011-12. Beyond coaching, Goss is the co-owner of the Wildcat Golf Academy and co-inventor of the Putting Board, further demonstrating his commitment to player development and innovation in the sport.
A dedicated contributor to the broader golf community, Goss has served on the Board of Directors for the First Tee of Greater Chicago since 2008, including a tenure as Board President from 2016-2019. His extensive experience in coaching, administration, and strategic leadership makes him a cornerstone of Northwestern Athletics and a respected figure in collegiate sports.
Goss and his wife, Lindy, have three children: Allison, Claire, and Madeline. The Goss family lives in Evanston.
