After four years on the job, University of Alabama athletic director Bill Battle has announced that he will step down. The university has announced that Greg Byrne, the athletic director for the University of Arizona, will replace Battle.

The highlight of Battle's time as athletic director would have to be the Crimson Tide's 2015 national championship in football. Any person who helps bring Alabama a football championship will be loved and honored by the university for eternity, and he is no exception.

According to the Tuscaloosa News, Battle stated that his decision to step down was not due to any health issues. He previously received cancer treatment prior to the 2016 football season, but says his cancer is now in full remission. Instead, Battle says his decision was based around him wanting to spend more time doing the things he loves outside of work.

But what does this mean for athletics at the University of Alabama? There should be no cause for concern when it comes to the performance of any of our sports programs, including football. This scenario can be looked at as a "next man up" situation, similar to when Eddie Jackson got injured late this past football season. I have no doubt that Greg Byrne and the rest of the university will work together in an effort to maintain and grow the traditions that represent the University of Alabama.

While some may be wary of a new athletic director coming in, I am excited to see what new perspectives and ideas Greg Byrne can bring to the table. While being an outside hire will allow Byrne to bring his own culture into the job, he has experience in the SEC as Mississippi State's athletic director from 2008 to 2010.

There is plenty of room for optimism as the future continues to look bright for fans and members of the University of Alabama alike!