On Friday, Auburn University announced the resignation of athletic director Allen Greene.

Greene was hired in 2018, and he had many milestones during his tenure. However, his contract with the university was set to expire in January of 2023, and his job status appeared to be in jeopardy.

“The decision to step away from Auburn Athletics is not an easy one, but it is the right time for me to begin the next step in my professional journey,” Greene said in a statement. “I am very proud of the work that we have done together to move our athletics program forward. Christy and I want to thank the Auburn Family for allowing us to be a part of something truly unique and I wish Auburn nothing but the best in the years ahead. I’m confident we leave Auburn Athletics stronger than when we arrived.”

Under Greene’s direction, Auburn hired head football coach Bryan Harsin, agreed to make major renovations and expand Plainsman Park, and experienced success across numerous sports.

Earlier this year, Greene’s hiring of Harsin came under fire as rumors began to swirl that the coach’s own job security was in question after a mass exodus of personnel and players.

Newly appointed Auburn president Christopher B. Roberts released the following statement regarding Greene’s resignation:

“Allen arrived on The Plains with vision, passion and experience to elevate Auburn Athletics to the next level,” Roberts said in a statement. “In the brief time that I have worked alongside Allen as President, he has proven to be an asset to Auburn, enhancing our athletics programs and facilities, and has been dedicated to our student-athletes, to integrity and to our University. We’re grateful for his commitment and contributions to Auburn over the past four and a half years and we wish Allen, Christy and their children all the best as they embark on a new chapter in their lives.”

The university also announced that a nationwide search would begin immediately. In the interim, athletics department COO Marcy Girton will serve as acting athletic director.

Ben Richardson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News.