Miami Hurricanes Football: Miami AD Resigns, Heads For Flatter Pastures

April 14, 2012; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes mascot Sebastian leads the team out for the beginning of the spring scrimmage game for the University of Miami at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE

In what seemed like a sudden move, Miami AD Shawn Eichorst has elected to leave the University of Miami and take his talents to… Lincoln, Nebraska?

Remember when the ‘Canes got trounced by Kansas State?  While they were getting throttled, Eichorst was interviewing for a new gig.  Almost a month later he decided it was time to split for Nebraska.

Eichorst served as Miami’s AD for just 18 months.  According to a university official, the news came as a surprise to UM.

Miami senior associate AD Blake James was appointed acting athletics director by president Donna Shalala.  James served as AD at the University of Maine from 2005-2010.  He is familiar with Miami, having worked at the university from 1995-97 and 1998-2001.

The news broke of Eichorst’s departure eight days after former Nebraska AD, Tom Osborne, announced that he would be retiring.

Miami will begin their search for its third AD in 4 years.  Eichorst remained mum about the NCAA’s probing of UM and claims to have had no knowledge of Nevin Shapiro or the recruiting allegations at the time of his hire.

Eichorst was hired to replace former AD Kirby Hocutt, who left Miami to serve under the same position at Texas Tech.  During his time at UM, Eichorst hired current basketball coach Jim Larranaga.

As Miami prepares for a tough game against Notre Dame, hopefully the news of Eichorst’s departure does not serve as a distraction to the team.  In all honesty, it shouldn’t.