Scott Stricklin succeeds Foley as Florida athletic director

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Scott Stricklin is Florida's new athletic director, and Jeremy Foley will remain on the job for another month.

The University Athletic Association voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the hire. Stricklin is leaving his alma mater, Mississippi State, to replace Foley and take on a massive facilities upgrade in Gainesville.

Foley had been scheduled to retire Saturday after 40 years with the Gators, including the last 25 as athletic director. He now will remain in place until Nov. 1, creating extra time for a changeover.

The Gators will introduce Stricklin later Tuesday.

Stricklin has been the Bulldogs' AD since 2010. He has a background in fundraising, which will serve him well at Florida.

Foley unveiled plans two weeks ago to spend $100 million to bring Florida's athletics program up to date, including building a 100,000-square-foot, stand-alone football facility.

Associated Press