University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler said he plans to begin a search for a new athletic director after the first of the year and that he's leaning against using an outside search firm this time.
Kaler shared some insight into his plans after a special Board of Regents meeting Tuesday in which the findings of an investigation into sexual harassment claims against former athletic director Norwood Teague were revealed, as well as a financial audit of the athletic department.
Kaler said he hopes to hire Teague's replacement by July 1. Kaler appointed Beth Goetz interim athletic director after Teague's abrupt resignation in August.
Goetz attended the regents meeting, but the university did not make her available for comment afterward.
In a recent interview, Goetz declined to reveal whether she wants to be considered for the job permanently.
"I'm happy to represent in whatever capacity that is," she said. "When the time comes that I have to make a decision about whether I want to be considered or not, then I'll do it then."
The internal audit discovered violations of university policy on spending within the athletic department under Teague. Goetz served on Teague's senior management staff, but Kaler said he does not believe those cases of misspending reflect poorly Goetz.
"I don't believe it does, no," Kaler said. "I have full confidence in Beth Goetz."