Brooks named as Georgia's new athletic director

Contributed Photo / Josh Brooks
Contributed Photo / Josh Brooks
photo Contributed Photo / Josh Brooks

The University of Georgia on Wednesday named Josh Brooks as its 12th athletic director.

Brooks has worked at Georgia since December 2016 and has served as Senior Deputy Athletic Director for the past year. He replaces Greg McGarity, who stepped aside late last month after more than a decade in the role and is now the CEO of the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville.

"From visionary and strategist to contract negotiator, fundraiser, and champion for student-athletes, the modern-day athletic director must effectively wear many hats," university president Jere Morehead said. "I am confident that Josh can wear all of these hats extraordinarily well, and I am excited to see our athletic program continue to evolve as one of the premier programs in the nation with him at the helm."

Replacing McGarity was conducted through an 11-person advisory committee.

Before coming to Georgia, Brooks served as Deputy Athletic Director at the University of Louisiana Monroe from 2015-16. That followed a two-year stint as the Millsaps College AD in Jackson, Mississippi.

"This is a dream come true, and I am excited to get started," Brooks said. "To everyone who supports and represents Georgia athletics - from our student-athletes, donors, and fans to our coaches, staff, and administrators - you are the heart and soul of the Bulldog Nation, and I am honored to lead an organization that means so much to all of us.

"As athletic director, you can expect me to be visible, to be connected and engaged, and to be tirelessly devoted to the success of our student-athletes."

Campbell leaving

Bulldogs junior cornerback Tyson Campbell announced Wednesday that he was forgoing his remaining eligibility for the NFL. The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder racked up 89 tackles in his three-year career along with one interception, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.

Campbell was the nation's No. 2 cornerback in the 2018 signing class behind current Alabama junior Patrick Surtain, who played with Campbell at American Heritage High in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

"These three years in Athens have been filled with so many great experiences that I will cherish forever," Campbell posted on social media. "I am excited for this next chapter that God has in store for me."

Georgia senior safety Richard LeCounte III, who missed the back half of this past season as a result of a concussion sustained in a motorcycle accident, announced that he would not be using the NCAA's extra year.

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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