On Tuesday, Stony Brook University president Samuel L. Stanley announced that athletic director Jim Fiore would be leaving the school effective immediately.
“I am writing to inform you that Jim Fiore is leaving Stony Brook University,” Stanley said in a statement released Tuesday. “Senior Associate Athletic Director, Donna Woodruff, will serve as Interim Athletic Director as we commence a national search to identify a new Athletic Director.”
Michael Conte, a representative for Jim Fiore, said that his client was notified at about 5pm on Tuesday of the University’s decision. In a statement, Fiore said that the school had “bought out” his contract, in which they will be paying him “nearly $800,000” in total salary until June 30, 2016.
“I have had nearly 11 wonderful years at Stony Brook and I am incredibly proud for all of the experiences I have had in building the University and our emerging Division 1 program,” Fiore said in a statement. “Facilities have been modernized, recruiting has been professionalized, and prospective student-athletes now see Stony Brook as an enviable destination and the University’s brand is nationally recognized.”
Fiore helped oversee the $21.1 million renovation of Stony Brook’s arena, which is set to open during the 2014-15 school year. The Seawolves have made the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, the College World Series as well as having their men’s basketball team win three out of the last four regular season championships.
It remains to be seen how this will effect men’s basketball head coach Steve Pikiell, who signed a contract extension until the 2017-18 season with the school over the summer, after setting a new school record in victories last season with 25 and leading the Seawolves to an NIT victory over Massachusetts.
Ryan Restivo covers the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and America East conference for Big Apple Buckets. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanarestivo or contact Ryan at rrestivo[at]nycbuckets.com.
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