West Virginia University President Gordon Gee released a statement on the departure of Director of Athletics Shane Lyons.
The university released a statement saying “West Virginia University has parted ways with Director of Athletics and Associate Vice President Shane Lyons.”
The statement later read a quote from Gee, thanking Lyons for his work at WVU since 2015.
“I deeply appreciate Shane’s leadership over the past eight years and I wish him well,” Gee said. “But with the ever-changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics, I believe this is an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to our program,” Gee said.
Gee named Rob Alsop the new Athletic Director, saying he has full faith in Alsop during this time of transition.
“I am confident that Rob will lead and assist our coaches, student-athletes and staff during this turning point,” Gee said. “I also know that he will lay the pathways necessary for a new athletic director to make a seamless transition into the role.”
West Virginia head football coach Neal Brown’s future is still in question, and Gee said he is going to continue to support Brown through the remainder of the season, before a decision is made.
“We are supporting Coach Neal Brown and our team as we complete our season over the next few weeks,” Gee said. “We are aware there are some deficiencies, but we have not given up on the coach and the team, and they have not given up on each other. The evaluation of the football program will be the first task of our new athletic director and no changes will be made until that review has been completed.”
The full release from WVU can be read here.
