By outreach@cw.ua.edu (CW Staff)

Alabama will hire Arizona vice president of athletics Greg Byrne as its new athletic director, UA announced on Monday. This decision comes less than a day after Bill Battle announced he would step down from the position.

Byrne will take over on March 1, pending approval from the University’s System Board of Trustees.

“We knew Bill was considering a change, and we wanted to hire someone who can assume that mantle of leadership and continue the tradition of success that Bill and so many others before him have established,” said UA President Stuart R. Bell in a release. “We believe Greg Byrne is uniquely qualified for this role, and we are pleased to announce he has accepted the position of athletic director here at The University of Alabama.”

Byrne, 45, has been with the Wildcats since 2010, assisting in the completion of a $72 million Lowell-Stevens Football Facility. Before his stint with Arizona, he served as athletic director of Mississippi State. Byrne was the youngest athletic director in Southeastern Conference history. He also held the position of associate athletic director at both MSU and Kentucky.

“Regina and I are honored to be joining The University of Alabama,” Byrne said. “I have incredible respect and admiration for both Coach Battle and Coach Moore, as well as all of the talented coaches and staff in place. We look forward to returning to the SEC and being a part of Alabama’s outstanding tradition.”

Alabama is expected to formally announce Byrne later this week.

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Source:: The Crimson White Sports