University of Alabama Athletics Director Mal Moore will step down from his position, according to a UA release, due to health factors. Moore will become a special assistant to President Judy Bonner effective Wednesday, March 20.
“Mal Moore is Crimson Tide sports,” Bonner in a release. “During his tenure as athletics director, our student athletes have experienced unprecedented success in every aspect of their careers at UA, on the field of play and in the classroom. His contributions to UA athletics on every level are unsurpassed. And, while he will no longer be in charge of day-to-day operations, I am so pleased that we will continue to be able to rely on his wisdom and expertise going forward.”
Last week, Moore was admitted to Brookwood Hospital in Birmingham, Ala., for tests and treatment regarding pulmonary problems. He was later moved to Duke University Medical Center for follow-up tests, according to University Relations.
Last August, Moore was hospitalized in DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa for an irregular heartbeat and was released two days later. His physician, Dr. James R. Robinson, said the August hospitalization was a “precautionary measure.”
“As many of you may know, due to factors related to my health, I am at a point that I can no longer fulfill my duties as athletics director in the true championship manner the position requires,” Moore said in a release. “While I have to focus on my health issue, I look forward to maintaining an ongoing working relationship with this great University as special assistant to Dr. Bonner. I know I can count on each of you to continue your unequaled support for me and The University of Alabama.
“I cannot adequately express what the University means to me. It has been a part of my life for more than 50 years, and I feel honored to have served the Crimson Tide as a player, coach and administrator. I am so appreciative of the University administration, coaches, staff, student-athletes and fans who have made my tenure as director so very meaningful, memorable and special.”
Moore served as Athletics Director since 1999, where he oversaw numerous facilities upgrades and eight national championships, including three in football and three in gymnastics. His hiring of head football coach Nick Saban will go down as one of his greatest accomplishments during his time at UA.
Moore graduated from UA in 1963 with a degree in sociology, and earned his master’s in secondary education in 1964. He played quarterback for legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1958-62 and was an assistant coach from 1965-1982 and 1990-1993.
