From Trussville Tribune staff reports
AUBURN — Auburn University Athletic Director Jay Jacobs has announced his plan to step down, according to a letter written by him on AuburnTigers.com.
Jacobs says in the letter he informed Auburn President Dr. Steven Leath earlier this week of his intention to step down on June 1, 2018, or sooner if the university has found a successor.
“Expectations are high at Auburn – they should be,” Jacobs states in the letter. “As the Director of Athletics, I have the responsibility for managing 250 tremendous members of our staff who are responsible and accountable to the 567 student-athletes who wear the Auburn uniform. When something goes wrong, it is my responsibility. I have always known that. I have always accepted that.
“The last several months have been a particularly difficult time. Across several sports, a series of controversies have arisen. They have begun to take their toll and have raised questions about why Auburn must endure such problems. As I have always done, I have worked my hardest and best to do what is right for Auburn.
“I believe in Auburn and will fight for Auburn. But as I consider the future and what is best for Auburn, I have prayerfully decided the time has come for me to step aside. Sometimes a new direction and new leadership are helpful in moving beyond current problems.”
The university has faced several scandals over the past few months, including a case by the FBI against assistant basketball coach Chuck Person, a wrongful termination lawsuit brought forth by former AU baseball coach Sunny Golloway and a Title IX investigation based on allegations made by Auburn softball players of abuse and sexual harassment.
Jacobs has been the Athletic Director at Auburn since Dec. 22, 2004.