North Texas AD Rick Villarreal steps down

Rick Villarreal announced Monday that he's stepping down as the athletic director of North Texas, effective June 20.

"UNT president Neal Smatresk and I recently have been in discussions about the future of the university's athletic program and a transition of athletic leadership, and we have come to this mutual agreement," Villarreal said in a statement. "With the support of dedicated staff members, I have accomplished almost everything that I imagined possible here. I am satisfied that the work we have undertaken together has placed our coaches and student athletes in a better position to succeed, both on and off the field."

Villarreal has served as the Mean Green's athletic director since 2001. Six months ago, he brought aboard Seth Littrell to lead the football program as head coach.

Throughout his tenure, North Texas has captured more than 30 conference championships in athletics. He helped the school move from the Sun Belt Conference to Conference USA in 2013.