The University of Delaware’s Athletic Director is leaving.
The school announced Monday Eric Ziady is stepping down at the end of the month after just over three years on the job.
The News Journal reports he departs with 2 years left on his contract.
"It has been an honor to work with the talented student-athletes at the University of Delaware and with the excellent team of coaches, staff and administrators," Ziady said in a statement. "We have accomplished a lot together, but the time is right for me to pursue new opportunities and for the University’s new leadership to have an opportunity to provide a fresh direction.”
Dennis Assanis was named school’s new president last month. He takes over July 1st.
Acting UD president Nancy Targett says the search for a new AD will begin early next year.
A number of Blue Hen teams won Colonial Athletic Association titles and earned NCAA tournament bids during Ziady’s tenure, and he oversaw facilities upgrades that included a renovation of the school’s baseball stadium and the resurfacing of Delaware Field House with Astroturf.
But the school’s football team has struggled since Ziady let former coach K.C. Keeler go shortly after took over, then brought in Dave Brock as his first major hire. The football team is 17-18 under Brock and has seen declining attendance.
There was also uncertainly surrounding men’s basketball coach Monte Ross’ status since his squad winning the 2014 CAA title. Ross coached on the final year of his contract last year and appeared likely to be let go after last season’s 10-20 finish, but got a reprieve in the form of a new three year deal.
Matthew Robinson, director of the UD’s Sport Management Program in the school's Lerner School of Business, will serve as acting AD. Robinson is also chair of the board of Directors of the Delaware Sports Commission.
