Southern's Roman Banks named Jaguars' long-term athletic director; Morris Scott named interim basketball coach

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern University dramatically simplified Roman Banks’ job title Friday.

Banks, who spent nearly two years serving in dual capacities as men’s basketball coach and interim athletic director, was named the university’s full-time athletic director.

“Having served in a dual role as interim athletic director and head men’s basketball coach during a particularly challenging period, coach Banks provided solid leadership and gained the respect and support of his colleagues, student-athletes, alumni, and stakeholders,” Southern University system president Ray L. Belton said in a statement. “His appointment will ensure a seamless transition to continue moving the department in a positive direction.”

The way Banks sees it, the challenging period is still ongoing, which is why he was the man for the job.

Banks will preside over an athletic department that is one false step shy of significant problems with the NCAA. Southern is in the early phases of a five-year probationary period, the result of an NCAA investigation that was made public in November.

The key word is continuity.

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