March 6, 2008

RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech University President Dr. Dan Reneau announced the appointment of head football coach Derek Dooley as athletic director at a media conference Thursday held in the Hall of Fame Room in the Thomas Assembly Center.

Dooley will take the reins of the athletic department after current director Jim Oakes steps down from the position at the end of June. The hiring of Dooley is pending the approval of the University of Louisiana Systems Board of Supervisors.

"I think this is an excellent selection," Reneau said. "He has all the talents and all the abilities to lead us into the future of a new era."

In his first season as a head football coach, Dooley improved the Bulldogs' standing in the Western Athletic Conference by three games with a 4-4 conference record. He will remain as head football coach in addition to his duties as athletic director.

Reneau said the decision to promote Dooley to athletic director was an easy one considering his enthusiasm for improving Tech athletics across the board and not solely within football. Dooley's passion for progress and his ability as a fundraiser helped in the decision making process. After only two months on the job, he raised more than $500,000 to renovate the football locker room and parts of the Charles Wyly Athletic Center and Joe Aillet Fieldhouse this past summer.

"I appreciate the confidence President Reneau and our administration have shown in me," Dooley said. "We are embarking on an unprecedented strategic plan for Tech athletics, and I am excited about the opportunity to help elevate all of our programs within the department."

Audio of the announcement is available at latechmedia.com.