University of Delaware athletic director leaving

Bernard Muir will leave the Newark campus to take over the athletics department at Stanford University.

Muir, who has been Athletic Director at UD since 2009, will start his new role at Stanford on September 1.  There will be a nationwide search for his replacement.  In the meantime, deputy director of athletics and recreation services Samantha Huge will serve as interim AD.

“It is bittersweet to leave Newark,” Muir said in a statement.  “We have made great strides as a department, and the best of UD Athletics is still on the horizon, with more significant projects soon to be under way.”

UD President Patrick Harker credited Muir for his efforts in overseeing a major expansion of athletic facilities at Delaware, including new volleyball and basketball facilities.  “He has led what can be considered one of the most significant enhancements to student recreation services with the initiation of the facility improvement project at the Carpenter Sports Building.”  

Before coming to UD, Muir worked as athletic director at Georgetown University.  He also worked at Notre Dame and for the NCAA.  The Stanford job is considered by many to be a major step for Muir.  Stanford’s athletic programs include 100 coaches and assistants.  Ten current coaches at the school have led teams to one or more NCAA championships.