Miami (Fla.) names new athletic director

CORAL GABLES, Fla., Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The University of Miami (Fla.) Friday installed Kirby Hocutt as its new athletic director.

Hocutt, 36, a former linebacker at Kansas State, had held a similar position at Ohio University since June 2005. He replaces Paul Dee, who is retiring June 1 after 16 years at Miami.

"My family and I are extremely excited to be coming to the University of Miami and joining the South Florida community," Hocutt said. "To be associated with a world-class university known for comprehensive excellence is truly an amazing opportunity. I look forward to working for and with President (Donna) Shalala, our student-athletes, coaches and staff as we focus on permanently establishing the Miami Hurricanes as the premier athletics program in the nation."

"Kirby Hocutt is a proven leader, with the enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and commitment to our quest to be the top program in the country," Shalala said.

Hocutt also was the associate AD for external operations and sports administration at Oklahoma for six years.