Mike Strange

USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

The University of Tennessee issued a statement Wednesday night to shed light on the search for a new athletic director. The gist: A hire is not imminent.

The statement, originating from the university office, was read on UT's weekly "Vol Calls" radio show and follows several days on campus by incoming UTK Chancellor Beverly Davenport.

University of Tennessee close to hiring firm for AD search

UT announced last August that athletic director Dave Hart will be retiring in June 2017. The search for Hart's successor has been prolonged by the search for and hiring of Davenport as chancellor. Currently serving as interim president at the University of Cincinnati, she begins work here Feb. 15.

New Tennessee chancellor Beverly Davenport a cheerleader for athletics

This is the text of the statement:

"Dr. Davenport arrives on Feb. 15 to begin serving as UT Knoxville’s chancellor. She has said that filling the AD position is one of her top priorities.

The athletic director serves as a member of the chancellor’s cabinet. Dr. Davenport has emphasized the importance of finding the best person for this key role.

The university is in the midst of a procurement process to hire a search firm to assist with the search.

Once that process concludes, UT will release information about the firm that is selected.

At that time, the campus will also announce the members of the search committee and provide a tentative schedule for the search process.

We hope to announce these details soon.

From there the search committee and the firm will begin working together to begin the national search.

Dave Hart continues to serve as the Athletic Director for the UT Knoxville campus. His retirement date is June 30, 2017.''

Hart is attending the NCAA convention in Nashville this week.

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