Watch: Craig Littlepage discusses decision to retire as Virginia Athletic Director

Virginia Athletic Director Craig Littlepage announced Tuesday he would be transitioning from his position to a role within the University president’s office. Today, he met with the media to discuss his decision and outline some highlights from his time at Virginia as well as thank those who helped him along the way.

Littlepage, who is well respected among not only the Virginia coaches but his athletic peers as well, will stay in the role until his successor is established. He has been the athletic director at Virginia since August of 2001.

Under his purview, Virginia has won 13 NCAA team titles, 15 NCAA individual titles, and a conference-leading 76 ACC titles.

When asked about Virginia football, the department’s biggest struggle, Littlepage didn’t hesitate.

“No doubt in my mind,” he said succinctly in response to whether he believed Coach Mendenhall was the guy to lead Virginia back to better football times. “Coach Mendenhall is as creative and bright, innovative and hard working as any coach in any sport that I’ve ever been around at any level.”

Watch the full video below:

No timeline has been set for hiring, but Littlepage called 8-12 weeks the “ideal” timeframe.