In mid-July, Tim Mickelson resigned as the head coach of Arizona State University after five years with the school. Yesterday, Lagardère Sports announced Mickelson will be joining the agency under the tutelage of Lagardère Golf President Steve Loy, who also coached at ASU from 1987 to 1992 and left his coaching gig to represent golf superstar Phil Mickelson, Tim’s brother.
Mickelson will come to Lagardère to represent Jon Rahm, Mickelson’s former protege at ASU and this season’s world No. 1 ranked amateur. Although the rumor was initially shot-down by Mickelson himself, it was said in June that he might step down to help Rahm through his professional career. Rahm will be added to a client list that includes the likes of Jordan Spieth, Angel Cabrera, and Brandt Snedeker.
During Mickelson’s tenure with the Sun Devils, the 39-year-old led ASU to two top 10 finishes in the NCAA Championships, while winning the PAC-12 Coach of the Year award after the 2014-15 season. During the past four years, Mickelson coached Rahm as he became the first two-time Hogan Award winner, given to the most outstanding Division I player in the nation.
“I never envisioned retiring as a college golf coach,” said Mickelson. “Becoming an agent was an exciting and interesting option that always was in the back of my mind. With my background in collegiate golf and knowing the professional world, I thought this was the time to take on a new challenge and transition into a new profession.”
Prior to his time at ASU, Mickelson coached at the University of San Diego and led the Toreros to their first three NCAA appearances in program history.
According to their website, “Lagardère Sports is a leading sports marketing agency, with a global network of local experts dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that meet our clients’ needs. We believe sport inspires emotions and passion that are essential to enrich people’s lives and generate powerful collective experiences. At Lagardère Sports, we dedicate our expertise and passion to provide our clients with privileged access to the infinite opportunities of sports. Lagardère Sports is part of Lagardère Sports and Entertainment, a company with more than 1,600 employees worldwide and 50 years of experience.”