One reported candidate for the UCF athletic director job can be crossed off the list.

Mizzou AD Jim Sterk responded to a report by UCFSports.com and social media speculation by issuing a statement to local media members saying he is staying at MU.

Dave Matter of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch shared the statement released by Sterk:

“I do not normally comment on speculation on social media. But, over the last 24 hours several media members have indicated that I may be involved in the Athletic Director’s search at the University of Central Florida. I am not a candidate at UCF.

“We have great momentum at Mizzou and Mizzou Athletics, and I am looking forward to tomorrow’s Top 20 basketball showdown in Mizzou Arena.

“Currently, we have eight nationally-ranked programs and our student-athletes are performing exceedingly well in the classroom. The basketball team under Coach Cuonzo Martin will be vying for the SEC and national championship this year. The football team under Coach Eli Drinkwitz reached the Top 25 and signed one of the best incoming recruiting classes in our history. I am also excited to see the planned new Football Indoor Practice Facility completed in the next few years to attract and retain the very best talent. The future is very bright for Mizzou Athletics.

“My wife, two of my three daughters, son-in-law and grand-daughter enjoy Columbia, and I’m excited to work with the Board of Curators, President Choi, our coaches, staff and talented student-athletes to continue the winning tradition at Mizzou.”

Matter lists multiple reasons Sterk was linked to the UCF vacancy created by Danny White’s departure for Tennessee. UCF president Alex Cartwright was chancellor at Mizzou from 2017-20. Sterk’s daughter, Amy, is Director of Executive Operations in the UCF athletic department.