KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 7 (UPI) -- Tennessee Athletic Director Mike Hamilton, who announced Tuesday he is leaving the school amid recruiting issues, will get a $1.34 million severance package.
Hamilton's exit will be effective June 30 but he will be paid the money during the next three years under a separation agreement reached with the school.
Hamilton has worked for the Volunteers for 19 years, becoming athletic director in 2003. The school has come under scrutiny for alleged recruiting infractions in its football and men's basketball programs. The NCAA notified Tennessee of the allegations in February.
In a statement released by the university, Hamilton said he and his family will "forever cherish our time here."
"We have poured out our lives over the last 19 years to try to make this a better community, a better athletic program and a better university," he said.
"Serving as athletic director over the last eight years has been an incredible daily leadership lesson and a dream come true that I would never trade for anything. I appreciate everyone who has walked along that path with me. We have, without a doubt, the best staff, coaches, student-athletes and fans in America."
An interim athletic director is to be named by the end of the week and a national search has been started for a permanent replacement.
"We hope to have someone in place before the football season begins," school Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek said. "However, it is important to get the right person, and we will not rush the search to meet this time line."
