Hours after signing his separation agreement with West Virginia University, Shane Lyons was hired as the Executive Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer at the University of Alabama. Lyons previously served as the Deputy Director of Athletics for the Crimson Tide from 2011-15.
Shane Lyons Returns to Alabama as Executive Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer#RollTide
— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) November 21, 2022
Original story:
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Former West Virginia University Athletic Director Shane Lyons will receive about $2.1 million from the university through November 2024. This amount does not include Lyons’ 2022 contractual incentives totaling about $312,000.
That’s according to details the university released today from its separation agreement with Lyons, the former director of athletics/associate vice president. Lyons was forced out a week ago from the position he held since 2015.
The agreement was obtained by MetroNews through a Freedom of Information Act request.
Lyons will receive an annual salary of $931,000 in 2023. He will receive a prorated portion of that same salary through Nov. 14, 2024. In addition, Lyons will receive $287,500 beyond the annual salary.
Lyons will remain employed and designated as a Special Assistant to the President through Jan. 4 of next year.
Lyons was previously signed to a contract extension on Jan. 14 of this year.
Lyons resigned one week ago under pressure from the university following a tense meeting the prior day with WVU President E. Gordon Gee.
He turned down an offer by Gee to give up the Athletics Director responsibilities, but stay on as associate vice president.
Lyons, who was hired in 2015, is a Parkersburg native and a WVU graduate who had worked his way up in collegiate athletics. His background was largely in compliance and conference administration.
Lyons has been heavily involved in boards and committees outside of the University, including his role as chair of the NCAA Division 1 Football Oversight Committee.
The university has started a nationwide search for a new athletic director. Rob Alsop, the university’s vice president for strategic initiatives is serving as interim athletic director.