Bill Cords Retires: UPDATED

Bill Cords announced his retirement as MU's athletic director, effective December 31. During his 19-year tenure, Cords engineered one of the most dramatic growth and repositioning efforts in NCAA history. Realize that in 1986 he was saddled with the weakened status of an independent, Bob Dukiet, the 1212 Building, and the Old Gym -- yet turned all of that into the Big East, Tom Crean, and the Al McGuire Center (among many other accomplishments).

We'll report more completely on this soon. THANKS, BILL. YOU WILL BE MISSED.

The official announcement can be found here.

Marquette University Director of Athletics Bill Cords announced today his decision to retire effective December 31, 2006. Cords has run the department of athletics since July 1987.

"My family and I deeply appreciate the opportunity given to us by Marquette University," said Cords. "We're grateful to have been a part of a very special place, an outstanding community and wonderful state."

Cords has presided over Marquette's athletic department during a period of significant growth and success. During his 20 years, Cords expanded sports offerings at the Division I level, added and improved athletic facilities, oversaw outstanding athletic and academic achievement, and, most notably, engineered Marquette's move from independent status to the Big East Conference.

Cottingham to serve as interim AD
"Marquette University Associate Senior Vice President Steve Cottingham will fill the position on an interim basis through at least this summer. Cottingham has worked closely with athletics during the last three years, particularly in the areas of facility development, sponsorship and contract negotiations."