Robinson places Horne on paid leave, announces search for new AD

Yesterday, FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson notified Athletic Director Derek Horne that he will not be reappointed. Horne has been placed on administrative leave with pay until September 7, 2013.

“I am making a leadership change in athletics and hope to launch a new search soon for an athletic director,” Robinson said.

Horne is on a $200,000 per year contract that will expire on Sept. 7. Prior to assuming the AD position at FAMU on September 7, 2010, he served as an associate AD at the University of Mississippi.

Michael Smith, associate director, will serve as the interim director of athletics. He led the Athletic Department on an interim basis from January to September of 2010.

The Athletics Department continues to struggle with red ink. It currently has a $7M deficit. 

FAMU has had nine interim or permanent ADs over the past 11 years.