Joel Maturi is announcing Thursday morning that he is retiring as the U's athletic director effective June 30, ending a decade run at the position.

Having a new face at the head of the athletic department has significant meaning for Gophers basketball and coach Tubby Smith for two reasons:

1 – The extension. Maturi was the one who originally went after Smith and he was a longtime supporter of a potential contract extension. Maturi has held steadfast through the season's ups and downs that a deal would get done at the end of the season (although it was previously expected much sooner). Smith has said that the basics of the extension were essentially done and were merely being tweaked. But without Maturi, the discussion will presumably start over again. The U of M confirmed last month that there will be no more extension talks until after the season.

2 – The practice facility. Smith has long coveted one and has made his desire well known to Maturi, who also said it was a priority. A new AD will have a new philosophy on running the program and what is necessary to do that.

"It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that ... I will announce my retirement as the director of athletics at the University of Minnesota effective June 30th," Maturi said in an e-mail addressed to student-athletes, coaches, staff and supporters. "There is sadness because I have enjoyed every day of this 10-year journey. There is excitement because President Kaler has asked me to remain next year as a special assistant to the president."

** Here is the most recent update.