Former NMSU athletic director returning to Mizzou

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- After more than a year away from collegiate athletics, former New Mexico State athletic director Mario Moccia is back in a leadership role. Moccia has been named the new CEO of Every True Tiger Brands, overseeing name, image and likeliness operations for the University of Missouri's athletic department.

Moccia served as athletic director at NMSU from 2015-2025 before Moccia was fired from his role in January 2025 after a state department of Justice investigation and report criticized the university's handling of a serious hazing and sexual assault scandal that temporarily shut down the Aggies' men's basketball program. The findings described a toxic culture within the program and faulted the athletics department under Moccia's leadership for failing to take stronger action after learning of the allegations.

However, the University of Missouri, where he previously worked as associate athletic director from 1998 to 2006, appears to view the situation differently, opening the door for Moccia to return despite the circumstances surrounding his departure from NMSU.