Auburn, Ala. (EETV) – After 13 years as Auburn's Athletics Director, Jay Jacobs announced today that he has decided to step down.

"The last several months have been a particularly difficult time. Across several sports, a series of controversies have arisen." Said Jacobs referencing a sexual harassment scandal in the softball program, the federal charges filed against a member of the basketball coaching staff , and most recently a lawsuit alleging discrimination against a coach on the track team.

Jacobs went on to say "When something goes wrong, it is my responsibility. I have always known that. I have always accepted that.... 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."

Jacobs will step down as Director of Athletics on June 1, 2018, or sooner if a replacement is found.

Jacobs became Auburn’s 14th Athletic Director in December 2004. He is a former Auburn football walk-on playing for coach Pat Dye.

Jacobs graduated from Auburn with an undergraduate and master’s degrees in business administration.

During his tenure, Auburn has won 11 National Championships and 24 SEC Titles.

The firing comes as no surprise. Over the last 3 months, Jacobs has faced much criticism from Auburn fans.

In 2017 Jacobs was named the NACAD/ UnderArmour Athletics Director of the year.

He’s the chair of the SEC Athletics Directors and is a member of the NCAA D-I Strategic Vision and Planning Committee.

Jacobs was most recently named to the Collegiate Advisory Council for the U.S. Olympic Committee.