The University of Alabama Birmingham and director of athletics Mark Ingram have agreed to part ways according to an announcement from the school this week.

Ingram had been with the school since 2015 and will be temporarily succeeded by men’s basketball coach Andy Kennedy as an interim while a national search begins for a permanent hire.

“Mark has played an important role in the growth and evolution of UAB Athletics,” UAB President Ray L. Watts said. “During his tenure, UAB Athletics achieved significant milestones, including major facility investments, a successful transition to the American Conference, and continued support for our student-athletes and coaches. We are grateful for Mark’s dedication to UAB and the impact he has made over the past 11 years, and we wish him continued success in the years ahead.”

Ingram, who helped to revive the football program after it was shut down just months before he was hired,  thanked UAB for everything and spoke about the pride he has in the job he did over the last decade.

“I am proud of the accomplishments we achieved together and grateful for the relationships that made those successes possible,” Ingram said. “I wish everyone connected with UAB Athletics great success in the future. I leave with tremendous pride in what we accomplished together.”

Watts looked to the future as well, promising that the next hire would share the Blazers vision for success both on and off the field.

“Our commitment to athletics has never been stronger,” Watts said. “We are excited about the future and focused on supporting our student-athletes, coaches and fans as we continue to build on UAB’s momentum.”