Auburn Athletic Director David Housel announced on Tuesday that he will step down as Athletic Director in January, 2005 and will retire from the University in early 2006.

Housel's contract with the University runs through June of 2008, but because of his intention to retire in 2006 and his desire for a smooth transition of leadership, Housel began discussions of his planned retirement last year with then-President William Walker and continued them with President Ed Richardson, finalizing an agreement in Atlanta last week at the SEC Tournament.

“I have planned to retire in 2006 for some time,” Housel said. “That is less than two years away, and it doesn't make sense to have a contract longer than I plan to work. By finalizing my plans now, there will be plenty of time for a search and plenty of time to ensure a smooth transition. A smooth, almost seamless transition is important to the on-going success and stability of the Athletic Department, and I very much want that to happen.”

There are several reasons Housel has elected to retire in 2006.

“I turn 60 in 2006 and I have planned to retire at 60 for some time,” Housel explained. “Secondly, and more importantly, virtually all of our major agreements will be coming up for renewal shortly after 2006, the corporate partner program, apparel rights and multi-media rights. Those are decisions that should be made by an Athletic Director who is going to be here for those years, not by an Athletic Director who is at or approaching retirement. An AD who is approaching retirement shouldn't impose his or her thinking on the program for the next 5 to10 years. The new AD should do that.”

After stepping down as Athletic Director in January, Housel will remain with the University for one year, assisting with the transition, helping in the completion of the NCAA Certification process and assisting in the capital campaigns of both Tigers Unlimited and the University as a whole.

“I am pleased that David's service to the University as athletic director and his unquestioned dedication to Auburn will continue to benefit the University for the remainder of this year,” said Auburn Interim President Dr. Ed Richardson. “His selflessness and loyalty are clearly reflected in his four decades of service to Auburn. I am positive that David will be of great assistance during our fund raising campaign and know that he will serve well in that capacity until his retirement.”

Housel's Auburn career began on his second day as an Auburn student, June 10, 1965 when he volunteered as a student assistant in the sports information office. He rose from student volunteer to the highest position in the Athletic Department. He was named Athletic Director in March of 1994. He has served Auburn as an administrative assistant in the ticket office, as an instructor in journalism, as Sports Information Director and Athletic Director.

During his time as Athletic Director, Auburn has won 29 Southeastern Conference titles and five National Championships, achieved the highest athletic graduation rates in its history, and has operated in the black financially in each of his 10 years as AD, one of a very few schools to do so at the Division IA level without the aid of state or institutional funding.

Auburn is currently in the largest, most comprehensive facilities enhancement program in its history. Within the last 10 years, every sport at Auburn has received either a new facility or a major renovation and improvement of its existing facility. Auburn's coaching staffs were brought up to NCAA limits for the first time and were paid competitive salaries that were comparable to other SEC and NCAA institutions for the first time.

“I have been truly blessed to be a part of Auburn for these 39 years, four as a student and 35 as an employee,” Housel said. “I have been privileged to be a part of some incredible moments and to meet, get to know and work with some incredible people, both here at Auburn, at other institutions and throughout intercollegiate athletics. For those opportunities and privileges, I will be forever grateful.

“My only goal in taking this job 10 years ago was to leave the Athletic Department better than I found it, and I believe it is better now than it was 10 years ago.”

Housel currently serves on the NCAA Championships and Competition Cabinet and on the Executive Committee of the Southeastern Conference.