Published On: Wed, Mar 28th, 2012

Craig Angelos out as FAU’s Athletic Director

According to multiple reports, Florida Atlantic’s athletic director Craig Angelos informed staff members Wednesday his contract will not be renewed and he would begin cleaning out his office next week.

The Sun-Sentinel first reported that Angelos’ contract will not be renewed.

Angelos, who made $192,456 last year, was hired in 2003 and oversaw the football team’s move from Division I-AA to the Sun Belt Conference and a new on-campus 30,000-seat, $70 million stadium that opened in October.

FAU’s Board of Trustees, who met last Thursday, are expected to name associate athletic director Melissa Dawson interim athletic director before searching for a permanent replacement. FAU has yet to formally announce any of the news, and Angelos couldn’t be reached for comment.

Angelos spent eight years working inside the University of Miami’s athletic department as well as at Indiana prior to getting the job at FAU in July 2003.

Despite tasting some success, the school’s football and basketball programs have been on the decline.

In December, Angelos hired 46-year old former Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini to replace Howard Schnellenberger after the football team finished 1-11 — three seasons after finishing with back-to-back bowl victories.

The men’s basketball program, meanwhile, took a step back this season after reaching the National Invitational Tournament in 2010-2011. The Owls finished 11-19 and two underclassmen starters have since left the program. Coach Mike Jarvis’ contract has also yet to be renewed.

The department also has lacked in fundraising and marketing. The program has mounting debt, especially with the opening of the football stadium and its football team, with the exception of the inaugural game in the new stadium, has played before mostly an empty stadium.

During his time at FAU, Angelos was also involved in the construction of the track complex and improvements to FAU Arena.

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