Utes name Paul Kirk as the successor to longtime associate athletic director Liz Abel

Paul Kirk is joining Utah Athletics in a renamed position in charge of the department's media relations.

Kirk, who has managed Colorado State's athletics communications for seven years, will become Utah's associate athletic director for strategic communications, deputy AD Scott Kull announced Wednesday. Kirk also will be the primary media contact for the football program. He is replacing senior associate AD Liz Abel, whose retirement after 36 years at Utah is effective July 31.

Kirk, a University of Washington graduate, spent 13 years in the Denver Broncos’ media relations department. He then worked for ProLink Sports, a Denver-based public relations and sports marketing firm, before moving to Drake University, followed by his CSU tenure.