Former Texas A&M coach RC Slocum is stepping back into the interim athletic director role.

Texas A&M President Mark A. Welsh III announced Monday that Slocum will be the program’s interim AD while the school conducts the search for Ross Bjork’s full-time replacement. Slocum had already been working with Welsh as Special Assistant to the President.

“Coach Slocum has been a champion for Texas A&M on and off the field for more than 50 years,” Welsh said in a program release. “His passion for this university, knowledge of Aggie athletics and commitment to the success of our student-athletes are second to none, and I’m grateful for his willingness to once again step into this interim role.”

Slocum previously served in the interim AD role in 2019 following Scott Woodward’s departure for LSU. Bjork recently accepted the Ohio State AD position.

“I am honored to be asked to serve as the interim athletics director at Texas A&M, a university close to my heart,” Slocum said via 12thman.com. “I have great respect for President Welsh and will do my best to make him, Texas A&M and, most importantly, our coaches and student-athletes, proud.”

Slocum, 79, first arrived at Texas A&M in 1972 as an assistant. In 1989, he became head coach of the Aggies, succeeding Jackie Sherrill. Slocum posted a 123-47-2 record at Texas A&M, with the Aggies never experiencing a losing season. Slocum guided A&M to three Southwest Conference championships and the 1998 Big 12 title. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.