Longtime Florida AD Jeremy Foley announces retirement
After 25 years serving as Florida’s athletic director, Jeremy Foley has announced his retirement.
Foley, 63, informed his staff and UF head coaches of his decision Monday morning, the school said. Foley will serve as athletic director until October 1 and then assume the role of “Emeritus Athletics Director.”
“After a long period of thought and consideration, I have made a decision to retire as the Athletics Director effective October 1, 2016. As difficult as a decision it has been to make, I know the time is right,” Foley said in a statement.
“So many memories. Of championships won. Of teams setting goals and then achieving them. The passion shown by Florida fans across the state, nation and world. Those letters or emails from student-athletes after they receive their degrees, so appreciative of their Gator experience. Those are what I’ll take with me because they are a part of me. This is a special place built by the effort, passion and drive of our coaches and student-athletes.”
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Foley began his time at Florida as an intern in the school’s ticket office in 1976 and has been with the Gators ever since. He worked his way up the ladder in UF’s athletic department before being introduced as athletic director on March 9, 1992.
During his time as AD, the Gators have won 27 national titles in 13 different sports, including becoming the first school to win championships in football and men’s basketball in the same season in 2006. Before Foley became AD, Florida has won nine national championships in five sports.
In Division I history, only one athletic director has guided a school to multiple national titles in football (1996, 2006, 2008) and men’s basketball (2006, 2007): Jeremy Foley.
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“What a privilege it has been to be a part of this athletic program. It’s never been a job – the relentless energy from the student-athletes and coaches ensured that. I’ve worked with some of the best in the business and met some truly outstanding people. I’ve been part of some memorable Gator events and Championships. I came to work every day with a staff full of friends and we’ve shared every emotion along the way. I have been truly blessed with a career I have loved at a place I love,” Foley said.
“But now it is time for me to step aside. I firmly believe that after 25 years with one leader, new thoughts and new ideas will continue to move this program forward. Timing is as good as it can be because currently we have a tremendous group of coaches and professional staff. As good as there is in the country. New leadership will inherit an incredibly talented group of people. Our budget is in good shape. All of our programs are achieving at the highest level. We are being successful without sacrificing our integrity. We are a positive reflection on the institution.
“As hard as it is for me personally, as this organization and this career has been my life’s work, it is time for me to personally move forward in a new direction. I firmly believe my time as Athletics Director is ending so that I can move into the next phase of my life. And I eagerly look forward to this next phase.
“But I’ll still be watching – and cheering – because I’ll always be a Gator.”
For more Florida news, visit InsideTheGators.com.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
