Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - Southern Methodist University announced on Thursday that athletic director Steve Orsini has been dismissed effective immediately.

Associate director of athletics for external affairs Tim Leonard has been named the interim director of athletics.

"We thank Steve for his contributions to SMU athletics," said SMU president Gerald Turner. "After several discussions over the last few weeks, it became apparent to me that it was necessary to make this change."

Just last month, Orsini hired Larry Brown to coach the men's basketball team.

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