After earlier reports that the Minnesota Golden Gophers would be without their athletics director in the near future, we now have some confirmation. At a Thursday press conference, Joel Maturi announced he is retiring as the University of Minnesota's athletics director, according to the Star Tribune.
Maturi will be officially retired on June 30, but the search for his replacement will be underway as soon as possible. President Eric Kaler has said that the next hire is of huge importance to the school, as the hire will impact the perception of the entire program. The new athletic director will handle contract negotiations as soon as he's brought in. According to the report, Kaler said that they hope to have someone in place on July 1.
"Obviously I will look for someone with experience in D-I athletics and someone with good business acumen," Kaler said. "I also want someone who will engage well with the rest of the community -- booster, alumni [and others.]"
Maturi will stay on with the school for next season as a special assistant to Kaler, though it's unclear what that entails. All that was said was that Maturi has more to offer the organization.
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