Alabama AD Moore steps down for health reasons
A week after Mal Moore was hospitalized with a pulmonary condition, the Alabama athletic director resigned Wednesday, the school annnounced.
Moore was transferred from a Birmingham hospital to Duke University Medical Center last week for additional testing.
"As many of you may know, due to factors related to my health, I am at a point that I can no longer fulfill my duties as athletics director in the true championship manner the position requires," Moore said in a statement.
"While I have to focus on my health issue, I look forward to maintaining an ongoing working relationship with this great University as special assistant to (Alabama president) Dr. (Judy) Bonner ... I cannot adequately express what the University means to me. It has been a part of my life for more than 50 years, and I feel honored to have served the Crimson Tide as a player, coach and administrator."
Moore, 73, took over as Alabama's AD in 1999 and one of his legacies will be the hiring of football coach Nick Saban. Moore's ties to the university run deep as an administrator, former player and assistant coach under Bear Bryant.
According to CBSSports.com, possible replacements include Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart, Alabama deputy athletic director Shane Lyons and former Tide player and Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome.
"Mal Moore is Crimson Tide sports," Bonner said. "During his tenure as athletics director, our student-athletes have experienced unprecedented success in every aspect of their careers at UA, on the field of play and in the classroom. His contributions to UA athletics on every level are unsurpassed. And, while he will no longer be in charge of day-to-day operations, I am so pleased that we will continue to be able to rely on his wisdom and expertise going forward."
