Report: UConn searching for new AD

Published Aug. 20, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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The University of Connecticut was searching for a new athletic director after Jeffrey Hathaway ended his eight-year tenure amid serious doubts regarding his future, The Day reported Saturday.

Hathaway, 52, who served in the department near continuously for almost two decades, announced Friday that he will retire immediately "to pursue new challenges," while a university spokesman confirmed he will receive one year of his salary, said to be $531,717 with the potential to rise to $700,000 with benefits.

UConn will cease the payment should Hathaway find new employment that exceeds his salary rate to date, while it will top up his earnings should his potential new role pay less than his current rate.

While Hathaway could boast glittering sporting success since his appointment as AD in 2003, he was criticized for a decline in fundraising revenues and issues surrounding NCAA compliance.

His role became threatened when it was learned his performance was subject to a "360 evaluation" by an outside law firm, based in Florida. Sources told The Day the review was due to reveal "mostly unflattering opinions" from more than 30 people interviewed. UConn terminated the evaluation following Hathaway's exit and will not disclose its contents publicly.

The Day also quoted sources Friday who said Hathaway would have been fired unless he accepted a buyout plan. Hathaway and UConn later denied the claims, the Journal Inquirer reported.

Paul McCarthy, senior associate director of athletics, will fill the vacancy until UConn names an interim director, while Hathaway will stay employed by UConn through Sept. 15 only to aid the transition process.

"After 20 years of being associated with UConn, I felt the time was right for me to pursue new challenges," Hathaway said in a statement late Friday. "I wish the very best to all those associated with UConn athletics, and to this great university, now and long into the future."

UConn President Susan Herbst praised Hathaway for overseeing a period of "unprecedented success on the field, on the court and in the classroom."

"He has a great deal to be proud of during his tenure," she said. "I join so many others at the university in thanking him for his service and in wishing him well."