LSU’s Bill Arnsparger Is Named Florida’s New Athletic Director

Bill Arnsparger, who coached Louisiana State to the Southeastern Conference football championship this season, Monday was named athletic director at the University of Florida.

The appointment by Florida President Marshall Criser ended weeks of speculation that Arnsparger, 60, would leave the Baton Rouge, La., school to accept the position.

Arnsparger, who has announced his retirement from coaching effective after LSU’s Jan. 1 appearance in the Sugar Bowl, was interviewed for the job last fall but withdrew his name from consideration when Florida decided it would not name a successor to Bill Carr before the start of football season.

Carr, who served as athletic director for seven years, submitted his resignation June 9 to pursue outside interests. He left the job in early October.

Criser said in a statement that Arnsparger’s “experience in quality athletic programs at college and professional levels . . . eminently qualify him for the position.

“Bill Arnsparger is the kind of quality individual so badly needed in intercollegiate sports programs in this country,” Criser added. “We are fortunate that he will join us.”

The LSU football program prospered under Arnsparger, compiling a three-year record of 26-7-2. The fifth-ranked Tigers finished the 1986 regular season with a 9-2 record and were surprise winners of the SEC championship.