Ohio athletics director Thomas Boeh's resignation and signing with Fresno State comes as a surprise, not only to coaches and fans, but also to Ohio University President Roderick McDavis himself.
Ten years as the director of athletics with the Bobcats, Boeh was in Fresno, Calif., Friday morning, officially stating that he will be taking the same job he did here with the Bulldogs.
This left McDavis a bit shocked, not necessarily that Boeh was pursued and considered leaving, but that it happened so quickly. Boeh first informed McDavis that he was considering leaving just two weeks ago.
As a true professional
(Boeh) kept me informed McDavis said Friday. It caught me by surprise that it happened this quickly. I must admit that. So I really have not had an opportunity to be thinking seriously today about it.
Ohio and McDavis must now figure out who will fill the void. Because of the haste of Boeh's departure, the university's president said he has not given much thought to who might be next in line.
Quite frankly I've been so consumed with other matters that I haven't given thought (to who will replace Boeh) McDavis said. I immediately notified our Board of Trustees and started to think about what we were going to do to replace Mr. Boeh. We will have an interim athletic director appointed within the next week.
McDavis said that a search committee is to be assembled to start seeking and interviewing possible candidates, much like what was used for the hiring of new football coach Frank Solich. Coaches and other administrators will be allowed to give input, but a search committee will make the final decision.
McDavis also said that no one in Ohio's administration will be excluded from consideration, but one quality the committee will be looking for is experience.
A new athletic director hopes to be found within the next four to six weeks, McDavis said.
Boeh was unable to be reached for comment, and McDavis gave no indication as to why his former athletic director would leave. But the president made it clear that there were no problems between him and Boeh.
Mr. Boeh and I had a great working relationship
McDavis said. I thought we worked extremely well together in the appointment of the new head football coach. Mr. Boeh has made incredible contributions to the athletic department of Ohio.
Now, though, McDavis is forced to look elsewhere to find a replacement.
(This ranks) near the top
McDavis said. This is going to get my attention immediately. We're going to go into search mode much like when we made the decision to hire a new football coach.
Boeh's contract, now voided, was good through 2007 after an extension he received in 2002 under former President Robert Glidden. He begins work with Fresno State July 1.
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Kyle Jepson
