clarinews@clarinet.com (01/19/90)
EAST LANSING, Mich. (UPI) -- Eastern Michigan Athletic Director Gene Smith says he's interested in succeeding Doug Weaver as Michigan State's athletic director. Smith told the State News, the MSU student newspaper, on Wednesday that he would submit a letter of interest to MSU officials ``within the next couple of days.'' A nationwide search to find a successor to Weaver began Dec. 3 when Weaver announced he would retire on July 1. MSU officially posted the job opening on Jan. 11. ``I've been impressed with the program at Michigan State and with its direction under Doug Weaver over the last few years,'' Smith said. ``I consider it one of the top jobs in the country right now.'' Smith's announcement puts him on the list of likely candidates for the athletic directorship along with MSU football coach George Perles, who has picked up considerable support among university administrators. Although he has not applied to MSU, Big Ten Assistant Commissioner Clarence Underwood also has been mentioned as a possible successor to Weaver. Underwood said Wednesday, however, he is still undecided about his candidacy. MSU President John DiBiaggio will recommend a candidate to the MSU Board of Trustees, which is scheduled to select the new athletic director at its Feb. 2 meeting. DiBiaggio has repeatedly said he would like to keep the positions of football coach and athletic director separate, but at least two trustees have announced publicly their support of Perles in the dual role.