Alabama expected to hire Arizona's Greg Byrne as new athletic director

Alabama is expected to hire Arizona’s Greg Byrne as its new athletics director to replace Bill Battle, two people with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because Alabama had not confirmed the move, but said Arizona had already begun its search for a new athletics director in anticipation of Byrne’s departure.

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Alabama’s athletic department confirmed to media outlets that Battle is stepping down. The 75-year old former Alabama player has battled multiple myeloma within the past year and took a leave of absence to treat the disease.

Byrne, 45, is considered one of the rising stars of the profession and has already been in the SEC as athletics director at Mississippi State. He left in 2010 for Arizona.