UAB’s Brown relinquishes AD duties

University president Carol Z. Garrison said Tuesday that she and Brown decided “football needed his undivided attention” after he had served more than three years in a dual role.

“This allows Watson to focus solely on recruiting, evaluating where the football program stands and putting into place the elements necessary for a successful season next year,” Garrison said.

Richard Margison, UAB’s vice president for finance and administration, will take over the responsibilities of running the athletic department on an interim basis.

Garrison said the arrangement will last at least several months, at least.

The Blazers, who made their first bowl game in 2004, had expected to contend for another this season. But they finished 5-6 in Brown’s 11th season as head coach.

Margison oversees all of the university’s business operations and facilities, and has worked closely with the athletics department’s leadership.

“I plan to be involved in the management of the athletic department on a regular basis and to immerse myself quickly in this role so that all of our coaches and staff have the support they need to be successful,” Margison said.

Brown is a former head coach of both Vanderbilt, where he played, and Austin Peay. He grew up in Cookeville, Tenn.