Mississippi State names Scott Wetherbee interim AD

Mississippi State has named Scott Wetherbee as interim athletic director, while the school undertakes a national search for a permanent replacement for the departing Scott Stricklin.

"As the Mississippi State athletics director search continues as previously outlined, I think it's important that we have steady, experienced leadership," school president Mark E. Keenum said in a statement. "With his background and institutional knowledge, Scott Wetherbee offers us that skill set. I deeply appreciate Scott's willingness to serve the university in this important role during the search process."

The move represents a promotion for Wetherbee, who currently serves as the senior associate director of athletics for external affairs.

Stricklin, who held the position in Starkville for six years, begins his term as athletic director of Florida on Nov. 1st.

Wetherbee's hire comes amid reports that the school was going to turn to baseball coach John Cohen for the role of athletic director. While that could eventually be the case, the position is Wetherbee's for the foreseeable future.