Greg Byrne said Monday he is looking forward to returning to the Southeastern Conference and is "honored" to become the new athletic director at Alabama. Contract terms and salary were not announced, though Byrne is expected to receive a raise on the $735,000 he made at Arizona.
The Crimson Tide announced Byrne's hire on Monday morning, one day after the Star's Greg Hansen reported that Byrne will replace the retiring Bill Battle. Byrne will start on March 1, pending approval from the Alabama's board of trustees.
Byrne, 45, will be introduced to the Alabama media later this week. Erika Hanson Barnes will serve as Arizona's interim athletic director while the university performs a national search for Byrne's replacement.
"The last nearly seven years has been a wonderful experience for me and my entire family," Byrne said in a news release issued Monday by the office of University of Arizona president Ann Weaver Hart. "We truly appreciate President Hart, our student-athletes, coaches, staff and friends. Because of the unbelievable support of all those who make up the Arizona Family, Tucson and the University of Arizona will always hold a special place in our hearts."
Byrne has been at the UA since 2010. During his time in Tucson, he hired coaches Rich Rodriguez and Jay Johnson, negotiated an extension for basketball coach Sean Miller, opened the Lowell-Stevens Football Facility and spearheaded a $30 million McKale Center renovation.
Alabama president Stuart Bell said in news release that Byrne was the perfect fit. He served as Mississippi State's AD from 2008-10.
"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," Bell said. "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."
Said Byrne: "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."
