Auburn University on Friday announced its athletics director, Allen Greene, was stepping down after over four years of leading the Athletics Department.
According to the announcement, Athletics Department COO Marcy Girton will serve as the acting athletics director.
Auburn president Christopher Roberts praised Greene for "his commitment and contributions to Auburn."
"Allen arrived on The Plains with vision, passion and experience to elevate Auburn Athletics to the next level," Roberts outlined in a statement attached to the release. "In the brief time that I have worked alongside Allen as President, he has proven to be an asset to Auburn, enhancing our athletics programs and facilities, and has been dedicated to our student-athletes, to integrity and to our University. We're grateful for his commitment and contributions to Auburn over the past four and a half years and we wish Allen, Christy and their children all the best as they embark on a new chapter in their lives."
Greene explained his decision to leave wasn't "easy" but said it was the right time as he takes another step in his "professional journey."
"The decision to step away from Auburn Athletics is not an easy one, but it is the right time for me to begin the next step in my professional journey," Greene said. "I am very proud of the work that we have done together to move our athletics program forward. Christy and I want to thank the Auburn Family for allowing us to be a part of something truly unique and I wish Auburn nothing but the best in the years ahead. I'm confident we leave Auburn Athletics stronger than when we arrived."
Greene's departure has seemingly been imminent as he had reportedly interviewed at other universities around the country for the same position with his contract set to expire in January 2023. The outgoing AD was initially hired by now-former Auburn president Steven Leath.
Per the announcement, Girton will serve in Greene's role as university leadership convenes "to appoint an Interim Director of Athletics who will serve while a national search begins for Greene's permanent replacement."
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