SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Fiesta Bowl on Monday hired Coyotes president and chief operating officer Mike Nealy as it executive director.
Nealy, 48, replaces Robert Shelton, who resigned in January after spending 2 1/2 years trying to rebuild the bowl game in the wake of a massive scandal. Shelton took over after John Junker resigned for taking part in an illegal campaign contribution scheme that ended with an eight-month federal prison sentence for him.
Nealy, the Coyotes' former CEO, has served as president and chief operating officer since 2010. Overall, he spent eight years with the organization, leading the Coyotes during a difficult four-year stretch without an owner that ended when the team was purchased last offseason by IceArizona.
"The Fiesta Bowl is a great source of pride for Arizonans, and I am excited about the opportunity to lead this wonderful organization," Nealy said in a statement. "I look forward to helping the Fiesta Bowl evolve and reach new heights as it transitions into the first year of the College Football Playoff."
As head of the Fiesta Bowl, Nealy also will oversee the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl and other bowl-related events. He has agreed to a three-year contract.
"Mike has a proven track record of strong leadership and business success," said Andy McCain, Fiesta Bowl Chairman of the Board. "His extensive experience in sports marketing and professional development make him an ideal fit to lead our organization into the new era of college football."
