It was announced Wednesday that the University of Florida will have an eight-person search committee to find the replacement for retiring athletic director Jeremy Foley. The committee will be led by Manny Fernandez.

Foley has been the AD at Florida for the past 25 years and has been working with the university for the last 40. Kent Fuchs, the school president, believes fully in Fernandez and the process they are taking.

“It is important that we identify a slate of qualified candidates who can build on the UAA’s [University Athletic Association] previous successes,” said Fuchs in the school’s release. “I am confident the search committee, under the capable leadership of Manny Fernandez, will help us identify the very best.”

Foley’s retirement is set to be official effective Oct. 1.