Sources have confirmed that Marquette Director of Athletics Steve Cottingham has resigned his position.

The school, though a release, said Cottingham made the decision in order to "pursue other interests."

In a letter to outgoing university president Fr. Robert Wild, Cottingham acknowledged said he was leaving Marquette on a high note, despite recent news of alleged sexual assault incidents involving Golden Eagles players.

"Although recent events involving a few student-athletes have certainly been a disappointment to me, I leave Marquette with positive feelings and confidence in its future," Cottingham wrote.

Cottingham was named to the position in February 2008 after spending a year as the school's interim AD following Bill Cords' retirement.

At Marquette, Cottingham negotiated coaching contracts and the current lease with the Bradley Center. He also played a key role in the Golden Eagles' move into the BIG EAST Conference in 2005.

During his tenure at Marquette, he oversaw the construction of a new soccer facility at Valley Fields and adding men's and women's lacrosse to the school's athletic offerings.

Deputy athletic director Mike Broeker has been named acting AD until a replacement is found. The school plans a national search for a permanent replacement in the fall.