Rick Villarreal is stepping down from his role as athletic director at The University of North Texas.
According to a university statement, Villarreal's last day will be June 20, 2016.
After serving nearly 16 years, Villarreal has less than two years remaining on his contract that is set to expire on Feb. 28, 2018, and will receive a buyout, The Denton Record Chronicle reported.
"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.
UNT’s 2015 football season finished 1-11, prompting Villarreal to fire head coach Dan McCarney five games into the season.
UNT President Niel Smatresk will choose an interim athletic director before leading a national search for a new athletic director.
