Florida got its man.
Scott Stricklin was officially selected as UF’s new athletic director at a University Athletic Association board meeting Tuesday morning. He was approved unanimously.
The selection committee picked Stricklin from an original pool of 120 candidates, who were narrowed down over the past several months, according to Search Committee Chairman Manny Fernandez. Stricklin has served as athletic director at Mississippi State University since 2010.
He will sign a six-year contract with a $1.076 million annual salary that combines bonuses and a $500,000 base salary, according to UAA officials. The contract also includes a $150,000 signing bonus.
“I am humbled and honored and really believe in what this place stands for,” Stricklin told the search committee.
Stricklin is also a Mississippi State alumnus, and he said he spent several weeks thinking and praying on leaving. However, the opportunities at Florida were too enticing.
“I believe Florida is the only place I would leave Mississippi State for,” he said.
Stricklin, who was named the 2015-16 Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year, will replace longtime UF Athletic Director Jeremy Foley, who is retiring after serving in the same position since 1992.
But Foley will be sticking around longer than anticipated.
When he first announced his retirement in June, he said he would be stepping down on Oct. 1. Instead, he will stay on as Florida’s AD until Nov. 1 — a one-month extension.
The search committee said he’s staying on to let Stricklin get his affairs in order at MSU.
Mississippi State President Mark Keenum thanked Stricklin for his work at the university in a release announcing a search for his replacement.
"Over the past six years, Scott raised the profile of MSU athletics, improved facilities across the board and provided the resources for our student athletes to compete for championships,” Keenum said.
Scott Stricklin, UF's new athletic director, speaks with UF president Kent Fuchs during a UAA board meeting. Stricklin, who has worked as Mississippi State University's athletic director since 2010, was unanimously approved Tuesday morning.
