Adam Widman joined UCF Athletics in 2024 as Senior Associate Athletics Director for Brand Communications, bringing more than 20 years of experience in high-level sports communications. His background includes five seasons in the NFL and over a decade at two Big Ten universities, and now the Big 12.
At UCF, Widman leads the strategic communications team and oversees executive-level messaging for the department, including communications for Vice President and Athletics Director Terry Mohajir and head football coach Scott Frost. He also drives efforts to boost brand awareness, support department initiatives, and coordinate with university communications.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Widman served as Director of Football Communications for the Chicago Bears from 2017 to 2022. During his tenure, he managed media relations in Chicago, the nation’s third-largest media market, overseeing daily interactions with local and national outlets. He also worked closely with high-profile players, including starting quarterbacks, coaches, and executives on preparation for weekly and postgame media availability.
Before the NFL, Widman spent nearly a decade at The Ohio State University, where he served as Associate Director of Athletics Communications from 2007 to 2017. During that time, he served as the top communications assistant for the football program and several other varsity sports, contributing to major events including BCS bowl games, the College Football Playoff, national championship appearances, and the Men’s Final Four.
Widman’s earlier roles include time at Northwestern University as Associate Director of Athletics Communications, where he led PR for men’s basketball, men’s soccer, and the women’s lacrosse team during its national championship runs in 2006 and 2007. He began his career at Kent State University, handling communications for the women’s basketball, baseball, and field hockey programs.
A graduate of Ohio State with a degree in journalism, Widman is a proud Cleveland sports fan. He and his wife, Emily, have two sons, Mason and Logan.