Kansas State names Iowa's Gene Taylor athletic director

Kansas State has ended its search for a new athletic director, as school president Richard Myers announced Friday that Iowa deputy athletic director Gene Taylor will be introduced at a press conference scheduled for Monday morning at 10:30 AM CT.

Taylor arrives at Kansas State after a three-year tenure at Iowa beginning in 2014. The Wildcats' newest addition is not shy of experience at the position of athletic director however, as Taylor enjoyed a 13-year career in the same position at North Dakota State.

"We are thrilled to have Gene, his wife Cathy, and their two children join the K-State family," Myers said. "Throughout the process, Gene's experience as an athletics director and his national reputation as a respected leader and someone who has built and maintained tremendous relationships with his staff, coaches, student-athletes, and donors stood out in what was an extremely talented pool of candidates."

Taylor also voiced his excitement at the new opportunity presented to him, and applauded those who have worked to make the athletics department at Kansas State what it is today.

"My family and I are truly honored and thrilled to join the K-State family," Taylor said. "I would like to commend Amy Button Renz and the committee for conducting what I believe was the most professional and detailed search I have ever been a part of, while also being extremely appreciative to President Myers for his leadership and confidence in my ability to lead this athletics department at such an outstanding institution."

“We are excited to get to Manhattan, and I look forward to meeting our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and supporters and helping them build upon the across-the-board success that Kansas State has attained," Taylor added.

Taylor replaces John Currie, who was hired to become Tennessee's new athletic director on Feb. 28