McGillis is the USM athletic chief since July 18, 2013. McGillis was previously the South Florida executive assistant athletic director for six years. McGillis will become the University of San Diego’s Associate Vice President and Executive director of Athletics. McGillis will be leaving Southern Miss in January and beginning his tenure at USD on the 23rd. Rodney D. Bennett, USM president, said that he is grateful to Bill for his hard work and was excited about the new opportunity. Bennett stated that he would work with a national firm that specializes in placing athletic directors to fill the vacant position. McGillis wrote to USM fans, “It has been an incredible privilege and true blessing” to serve as Director of Athletics at Southern Miss. “Quite simply, our lives and careers are at an important point where we need to reevaluate our priorities. The University of San Diego offers a unique opportunity to return home to Margie and her entire family, as well as to serve one of America’s great Catholic universities. “Margie and I will be leaving Southern Miss with mixed emotions and a heavy heart. Margie and I will be forever grateful for the kindness extended to our family throughout our time here, the special friendships we have made, and for the wonderful support of our program and student-athletes…”