UM Close to Naming Athletic Director Finalists

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — University of Montana officials say finalists for athletic director will be named in the next several days.

Montana University System spokesman Kevin McRae tells the Missoulian that the search has been trimmed to a handful of candidates.

McRae says The University of Montana received more than 60 applications in its nationwide search.

The school is looking to replace Jim O'Day, who was fired March 29 along with head football coach Robin Pflugrad amid a sexual assault scandal at the university, with some reported assaults involving players on the school's football team.

McRae says the quality of applicants for the job suggests the school's reputation remains strong despite the scandal that has prompted three investigations by federal governmental agencies and the NCAA.