By Mike Vorkunov

Joe Quinlan, the athletic director at Seton Hall for the last five years, will resign from the position effective October 8. The school announced his decision in a press release, confirming a prior report by the Associated Press.

Quinlan had taken over the position on September 26, 2005 and had a rocky tenure since then. He oversaw the Bobby Gonzalez era, the cutting of the track and field program for budgetary reasons and the Star-Ledger reported he spent the 2009-10 season working without a contract.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished over the last five years,” Quinlan said in a press release. “We’ve dramatically improved our athletics facilities, including renovations to Owen T. Carroll Field, the opening of the Jack & Charlotte Lavery Coaching Center, and moving the men’s basketball program to the Prudential Center. Both of our basketball programs are on strong footing.”

Quinlan will not be directly replaced, instead his duties will be filled by Patrick E. Hobbs, Seton Hall Dean of the Law School, Deputy Director of Athletics Duane Bailey and Senior Associate Athletics Director Ginger Fulton. Hobbs has been overseeing the athletic department since July but gained control before that time. He was in large part responsible for the hiring of new coach Kevin Willard. New Jersey Hoops Haven reports that a new AD will not be immediately hired as a cost-cutting measure.

“We are thankful for Joe’s leadership over the last five years,” Hobbs said. “His work has provided the Athletics Department with a solid foundation for future success. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

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