Next June, Tennessee’s athletic department will be led by a new man as the school officially announced current AD Dave Hart plans to retire June 30, 2017.

Following the news, Tennessee Chancellor Jimmy Cheek had this to say on Hart:

“Dave’s greatest accomplishment is making UT a student-athlete-focused department. his drive for comprehensive excellence has touched all facets of athletics. Our student athletes have the highest overall grade point average in the history of our program, exceeding 3.0 and fundraising is having a record year. He has restructured the department for greater efficiency and created a long-term sustainable financial model.”

Cheek added, “Dave has worked with our coaches to make us nationally competitive. He has focused on compliance and doing things the right way in the classroom and on the field. His work and determination have put UT sports in a strong position for the future.”

Hart was hired by Tennessee on Sept. 5, 2011 following his stops at Alabama, Florida State and ECU. Under Hart’s watch, the school hired Butch Jones and Rick Barnes.

In a statement obtained by the Times Free Press, Hart details his decision to retire:

“As I thought about finishing this job well and how extremely proud I am of what everyone in our department has contributed collectively to get us to where we are today, I decided that this was a good time to set a target to wrap up my career as a Director of Athletics.

“Our University will name a new Chancellor at some point prior to the conclusion of the academic year which has just begun. This decision will allow that individual to select his or her own person to this leadership role and allow me to lead us through what promises to be a very exciting upcoming year in many respects.

“The positive energy is tangible, not only in our building, but among Volunteer fans everywhere. That is very gratifying to witness.”

Tennessee is now in search of candidates to fill the roles of both chancellor and athletic director, as Cheek announced his plans to step down last June.