J. Ryan Bishop, formerly of Davis High football coaching fame, will be the UHSAA’s seventh executive director following Rob Cuff’s retirement announcement in January. The UHSAA announced Bishop’s appointment Friday.

A graduate of Southern Utah University, Bishop returns to the UHSAA after previously serving the state’s high school sports scene as an assistant director in the mid-2010s. In 2024, Bishop was promoted to principal of Wasatch High School in Heber City.

Bishop has 27 years of education experience across Box Elder, Davis and Wasatch counties.

“Ryan Bishop is an exceptional selection to lead the Utah High School Activities Association,” said Luke Rasmussen, Ogden School District Superintendent and UHSAA board chair, in a news release. “His experience as a state championship coach, athletic director, principal, and former assistant director of the Association gives him a comprehensive understanding of the impact activities have on students and school communities.

“Ryan is widely respected across the state and leads with integrity and a clear focus on what is best for kids.”

Around high school athletics for much of his career, Bishop brings a pedigree as an administrator and a coach of multiple sports programs. Locally, Bishop led Davis High football to the program’s second state title in 2004.

“The UHSAA has a strong history because of the people who have led and served before me,” Bishop said in the release. “I’m honored to step into this role and look forward to building on that foundation to ensure high school activities remain an extension of the classroom and a meaningful part of every student’s experience.”

Bishop will become the association’s active executive director on July 1 ahead of the 2026-27 school year. He replaces Cuff, who’s been with UHSAA for 25 years, including the last 17 as executive director.

Connect with prep sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@standard.net and X @ctbecker.