After the sudden dismissal of SIU Saluki athletic director Liz Jarnigan last week, a national search is getting underway to find a permanent replacement.
During his weekly news conference on Monday, SIU head football coach Nick Hill said he's already seen his fair share of A.D.'s since taking over the program in 2016.
"This will be my fourth athletic director and we've had four chancellors as well. From Tommy Bell hiring me to Coach (Jerry) Kill to Liz (Jarnigan), now another one. So, this isn't necessarily a surprise or something new that we've had to go through."
Hill, a Du Quoin native, said the Salukis need a new director who wants to become immersed in southern Illinois.
"It's a unique area. You've got to really dive into it, and love it and appreciate it, want to be here. So, hopefully that's what we find. I trust that the people in charge of the search and Chancellor Lane have the best interest at heart of our student-athletes."
Hill said he had a great relationship with Jarnigan during her brief time with the department. He wished her the best in her future endeavors.
The Chief of Staff for the Chancellor's Office Matt Baughman and SIU Foundation CEO Matt Kupec will co-lead Saluki athletics on an interim basis.
