OXFORD – Ole Miss is in the process of reassigning former senior associate athletic director for compliance Matt Ball within the athletics department, athletic director Ross Bjork confirmed to the Clarion Ledger Wednesday. The news was first reported by the Ole Miss Spirit.

Julie Owen has replaced Ball, receiving a promotion from her former post as associate A.D. for compliance.

Bjork confirmed that an internal message about the movement within the compliance office, which was sent to Ole Miss staff members and obtained by the Ole Miss Spirit, was sent by him Wednesday. He declined to further comment on the reason for Ball’s reassignment.

Bjork wrote in the internal message, “We are always evaluating the many areas that make up the overall athletics department, with the goal of maximizing the strengths of each individual. … Julie’s leadership combined with the development of the new Senior Associate General Counsel position is the most effective way to move our compliance department forward.”

Bjork declined to comment on which department Ball would be reassigned.

The Ole Miss athletics department has yet to fill its new general counsel position. The University of Mississippi also had to fill an open general counsel position this year. It appointed Erica McKinley in June.