A national search is under way to find a successor to Georgia Tech athletics director Dave Braine, who announced his retirement in January.

"Dave Braine leaves Georgia Tech with a long list of accomplishments and his leadership will be missed," said President Wayne Clough, who hired Braine in 1997. "He leaves big shoes to be filled."

A search committee charged with making a selection from an expected deluge of applicants, is chaired by Clough and include faculty representative Dan Schrage; Alumni Association President Joe Irwin, IM 80; former Tech football standout Chuck Easley, IM 86; and Student Government Association president David Anderson.

"It's a really desirable position, so it's safe to say a lot of people are interested," Irwin said.

Clough said the candidates must have experience in Division I-A sports, be able to hire good coaches, appreciate Tech's stringent academic environment, field winning teams while abiding by the rules and respect the importance of university governance and institutional control.

The athletics director manages a $55 million budget.

Two high-profile alumni candidates are said to be interested: Cam Bonifay, IM 74, former general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Devil Rays baseball teams; and Bill Curry, Mgt 65, former Tech All-American and head football coach.