Florida A&M University's athletic director, Kellen Winslow, has resigned effective immediately, university president Elmira Mangum said in a statement Monday.
"Today I accepted the resignation of Athletic Director Kellen Winslow," said Mangum. "Mr. Winslow informed me that after careful and deliberate consideration, he has decided to pursue other career opportunities. I'd like to thank Kellen Wilson for his commitment to FAMU athletics and his efforts to improve the programs financial condition."
Mangum addressed the entire athletic department Monday morning to tell them she received Winslow's resignation.
FAMU planned a press conference at 3:30 p.m. Monday to announce changes in the athletic department. Mangum was also expected to name Nelson Townsend as the interim athletic director.
Winslow, a former San Diego Chargers tight end and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, faced heavy criticism since he was hired in April. After a few months on the job, he suspended the men's golf and tennis programs and later fired football coach Earl Holmes during homecoming week.
Winslow received a vote of no confidence from the FAMU Board of Trustees in November.
Townsend has served as the FAMU athletic director twice, from 1986–88, and again from 2006–07. As a member of the search committee, he will now lead the charge in the hunt for a new head football coach.
Last week, the university named the eight finalists for the job. The committee will narrow the list to three candidates, and Mangum expects to name a new head coach by January, according to Sports Information Director Vaughn Wilson.