The University of Georgia is underway with its search for a new athletics director. And the challenge for UGA officials is to make a hire that keeps its athletics department as one of the most profitable in the country.

Tens of millions of dollars flow into the bank accounts of the UGA Athletics Association annually. According to financial documents released earlier this year and examined by the Athens Banner-Herald, the school predicted around $60 million would be in the Association’s reserve by the end of June.

A good chunk of that money comes from fundraising--a key component of an athletic director’s job.

Longtime sports columnist Mark Bradley with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the job description of athletic director for major college programs covers a wide spectrum, with much of it dealing with off-the-field matters:

“You need to be a very smart person and a person who is capable not in just terms of sports knowledge but in terms of business knowledge and public relations, and the ability to get along with alums.”

Bradley says Damon Evans fit that description well, a "rising star in the business", and had UGA sports in good shape:

“It finished second in the all sports standings among SEC (Southeastern Conference) teams, and it’s the second-most profitable athletics department in the country. That obviously speaks very well to the guy in charge.”

Evans offered his resignation Sunday, which was accepted by the school Monday.

Last week Evans was arrested on a drunken driving charge in Atlanta. The following day, embarrasing details were released in the police report. It included the mention of a 28 year-old woman--not his wife--in the car with Evans.

Bradley says for the University of Georgia going forward, with a smart hire for its next athletics director, the school should be fine to keep its sports programs financially solid.

Tags: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, University of Georgia, UGA, Athens Banner-Herald, Damon Evans, athletic director, athletics department, UGA Athletics Association, Mark Bradley