Former interim AD Beth Goetz leaving Minnesota for UConn

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Deputy athletics director Beth Goetz is leaving the University of Minnesota to serve as Chief Operating Officer for the University of Connecticut Department of Athletics.

Goetz served as interim athletics director following the August 2015 resignation of Norwood Teague amid sexual harassment allegations. She was reportedly one of the four finalists for the position, but in May, the university named former Syracuse AD Mark Coyle to the post. Before being hired at Minnesota in March 2013, she was a member of the Butler athletics department.

MORE - Mark Coyle named U of M AD

At UConn, Goetz will oversee all internal departments in athletics, serve as a key member on the division's leadership team and will serve as sport administrator for football.

Leaving amid investigation

Goetz departs Minnesota in the middle of simultaneous criminal and internal university investigations into the sale and use of prescription drugs within the Gophers wrestling program. A Fox 9 investigation found 4 Gophers wrestlers are under investigation for dealing the prescription drug Xanax, and 10 other wrestlers are suspected of using the anti-anxiety drug.

Fox 9 learned head coach J Robinson was aware of the drug use and sales, and that he ordered mandatory urine testing. Robinson allegedly told his players to write a one-page personal essay about what they had done. The coach's agent said Robinson notified Goetz of his suspicions that wrestlers were using drugs back in late February or early March. KEEP READING - Gophers wrestling coach J Robinson placed on leave

Mark Coyle statement

"Beth's unique skills and expertise made a positive impact on this department, specifically our student-athletes, coaches and staff," said Director of Athletics Mark Coyle. "While I will miss the opportunity to work with her, I am happy for her and we wish her the absolute best in this new role."

Beth Goetz statement

"I'd like to thank President Kaler for the opportunity to serve this great institution and excellent Athletic Department. It has been a pleasure to work with such outstanding coaches, staff, student-athletes and fans and I am grateful to have been embraced by this Gopher community during my time here. I am proud of our many accomplishments and achievements and know that Gopher Athletics will see even greater success in the future. While I am excited about the next step in my journey, I will always cheer for the Maroon and Gold."

President Eric Kaler statement

"Those of us fortunate enough to work with Beth have always known her future is bright," said University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler. "I am extremely grateful for her commitment to the University and the stabilizing leadership she provided, particularly as our interim director during a difficult past year, and wish her the best at UConn. She is a remarkable person and leader."