College Football

The Auburn University board of trustees distanced itself from the athletic department, giving the school’s president a stronger hand in personnel decisions.

The board, shortly before announcing the hiring of William V. Muse as Auburn’s new president, unanimously approved a policy that clarifies authority for hiring and firing athletic personnel.

Trustee Michael McCartney, who chairs the board’s athletic committee, said it would put that responsibility clearly on the president.

The action was taken amid concern over Pat Dye’s dual role as athletic director and football coach and the perception that trustees have too big a role in day-to-day decisions at the university. Faculty members applauded the new policy.