According to a press release sent out Thursday afternoon, Mike Alden is stepping down as the University of Missouri’s Director of Athletics.
"After several months of contemplation, I have decided that it is time for a change, both for me and for the University that I so dearly love," Alden said in a press release.
Alden served as the Athletic Director for 17 years, and will step down effective August 31, 2015. Alden will begin his post as an instructor at the College of Education where he will be a part of the Positive Coaching Program and higher education leadership courses.
During his tenure, MU made numerous high-profile coaching hires and the school moved from the Big 12 Conference to the SEC. The Illinois native hired little-known Toledo football coach Gary Pinkel in 2000. Pinkel has since become the school's winningest football coach and led Missouri to two consecutive East Division titles in the Southeastern Conference.
Alden had less success with men's basketball, hiring four head coaches since Norm Stewart's contentious retirement early in Alden's tenure.
