University President Dave Frohnmayer and Oregon athletics director Bill Moos will hold a press conference today at 11 a.m. to announce Moos’ official resignation after nearly 12 years with the athletics department.
Frohnmayer and Moos made the decision after discussions regarding the “future direction of the University of Oregon athletics program and Moos’ professional and personal goals,” according to a University press release issued Sunday.
“As my family and I considered our future, it became apparent that the time was right to enter into a new chapter in our lives. Though we will miss our many friends, we will forever savor the memories we shared with them,” the 55-year-old Moos said in the press release. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and feel that the program is in solid shape.”
Frohnmayer and Moos reached an agreement for Moos to remain as the athletic director until March 31, 2007.
Frohnmayer said the search for Moos’ replacement will start immediately.
“Bill and I agreed this was a good time to reflect on that progress and look closely at what it will take to be successful over the next decade. Together we reached the decision that now was the appropriate time to make this change,” Frohnmayer said.
He added: “I greatly appreciate the progress that has been made during Bill’s tenure as athletic director.”
Moos guided the department during its most successful years. His accomplishments include a $160-million facilities renovation that added 12,000 seats to Autzen Stadium and created the Ed Moshofsky Sports Center. Moos has also added women’s lacrosse and women’s soccer, hired every current Oregon coach except football head coach Mike Bellotti and has witnessed Oregon win or share 10 Pacific-10 Conference titles during his tenure.
There is speculation that Moos’ decision stems from his rocky relationship with Nike co-founder and major Oregon donor Phil Knight as the two have sparred in recent years, notably over the resignation of track coach Martin Smith.
Knight was also expected to be a major donor for Moos’ new basketball arena project but has yet to pledge any monetary backing.