Chicago State Hires Former Notre Dame Defensive Tackle, Chris Zorich

This was a good week for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish family. On Tuesday, May 1st, Chicago State University announced in a press release the hiring of former Notre Dame and Chicago Bears defensive tackle, Chris Zorich, as their new Athletic Director. Born and raised in Chicago, Zorich attended the University of Notre Dame and played on Notre Dame’s 1988 Championship team. Following his time at Notre Dame, he was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1991 NFL draft and played six seasons with the team, rounding out his career playing one season with the Washington Redskins.

Prominently highlighted in the release, Zorich promises to ‘change the game’ through an energizing mix of academics, athletics and a plan to reinvigorate student-athletes. Zorich, a product of the Notre Dame Value Stream, learned first-hand the importance and delicateness of the balance between student and athlete.

In the press release Zorich is quoted as saying, “The main motivation for taking this job is that I see Chicago State as a hidden gem,” said Zorich. “I’m honored to become a part of the CSU family. I plan to bring together resources that I have found in places like the University of Notre Dame and help create a culture that will produce student-athletes who are encouraged to always do their best and to define success, not as much by whether they become professional athletes, but rather by a well-rounded ability to do well and be truly successful in life.”

Previously the Athletic Director at Prairie State College, Zorich has spent the last three years wearing many hats, most importantly ‘mentor,’ and tirelessly working to mold and shape their student-athletes. As a former student-athlete himself, Zorich understands the academic and athletic challenges that student-athletes must face every single day. He has made it his mission to make sure both their educational and athletic experiences at the college level set them up for a lifetime of success.

Chris Zorich replaces interim Chicago State Athletic Director, Tracy Dildy, and starts the job on May 8th.

Congratulations and best of luck, Chris!

Cheers & GO IRISH!