TurnkeyZRG's Chad Chatlos Recognized Among College Football's Most Influential Figures

Chad Chatlos, Managing Director at TurnkeyZRG, has been recognized by USA TODAY as one of the 25 most influential people in college football heading into the 2025 season. This acknowledgment places Chatlos alongside conference commissioners, university presidents, media executives, coaches, and agents who collectively shape the leadership landscape of collegiate athletics.

USA TODAY highlighted Chatlos's significant impact through his track record of leading searches for the most critical positions in college sports. His work includes commissioner searches for both the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences, athletic director and head coach placements at prominent programs such as Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Michigan State, as well as key executive leadership roles across the NCAA and Power Five conferences. The depth of his influence is evident in the fact that 10 of the AP Top 25's head coaches in this weekend's opening games were placed by Chatlos.

TurnkeyZRG's reputation as the most respected search firm in college sports has been built under the leadership of Len Perna, with the firm consistently handling the industry's most visible and sensitive leadership transitions. Larry Hartmann, CEO of ZRG, emphasized Chatlos's role as a trusted voice in college athletics during high-stakes situations. Hartmann noted that Chatlos's impact reflects ZRG's broader ability to serve as a trusted partner at the highest levels of various industries, from guiding Fortune 500 boards in CEO transitions to shaping leadership in major conferences.

Chatlos joined ZRG in 2020 and quickly established himself as the leading search executive in college sports. His approach combines deep relationships, creative problem-solving, and the support of ZRG's data-driven platform, making him instrumental in decisions that affect entire programs and conferences. Chatlos acknowledged the rapid evolution of college athletics, stating that current leadership decisions will define the sport's future. He credited his team, including Katy Young Staudt, Jocelyn Gates, and Tucker Lewis, for their essential contributions to the college sports practice.

The full USA TODAY ranking, which features other influential figures such as SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, and ESPN analyst Nick Saban, is available at USA TODAY's College football's 25 most powerful people. As the 2025 season begins, ZRG continues to play a central role in the decisions that shape not only college sports but also the broader business world.