Maryville (Tenn.) athletic director Randy Lambert announced today that he is resigning from his athletic director responsibilities, effective May 31, but will remain the school's men's basketball head coach.

“My decision to resign has not been a spur-of-the-moment thing. I've actually been thinking about it for two or three years now,” Lambert said. “To put it simply, the growth and successes of our athletic department over the last several years have meant added responsibilities and increased time commitments.

“Obviously, basketball is my passion, and this move will allow me to concentrate on it and devote more time to the development of my teams and the young men who play for me,” he continued. “I support a new vision and new direction for this athletic department, and I look forward to being a part of the program for the next several years.”

Lambert, who has been athletic director since 1986, graduated from Maryville in 1976 and returned in 1980 to head its men's basketball program.

In 22 years, he has built an athletics department known for its teams' successes on and off the court. The majority of the school's teams — 12 NCAA Division III-sanctioned sports programs — have posted winning records in the last decade, with 47 receiving invitations the NCAA Tournament.

“The Maryville athletic program is experiencing an era of unprecedented success now, largely due to the leadership and vision of Randy Lambert,” said Vandy Kemp, vice president for student development at the College. “We are all grateful for the years and sacrifices Randy has given to Maryville College athletics.”

Lambert celebrated his 500th win last year, and his 2007-2008 basketball team (20-2) is currently enjoying a 13-consecutive game win streak — an unprecedented run for the program. If the squad receives an invitation to the NCAA tournament later this month, 2008 will mark the Scots' 10th consecutive appearance at the Big Dance.

According to Kemp, no decisions have been made about a process to identify and name a replacement.

“I will, of course, be working with the president and others to arrive at the best procedure for the institution,” she added. “Fortunately, because Randy will serve as athletic director for another three months, we have some time.”