Gundlach NU's interim AD

Northwestern has named Bob Gundlach, the school's faculty athletics representative, as its interim athletic director.

Current NU athletic director Mark Murphy confirmed Gundlach's appointment Sunday night. Gundlach will begin his new duties Jan. 1, when Murphy takes over as president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers.

An official announcement is expected soon.

Gundlach, a linguistics professor at Northwestern and the director of the school's writing program since 1977, is a faculty representative to both the NCAA and the Big Ten.

His athletic-related positions include: chair of the Big Ten faculty representatives, chair of the Big Ten's Academics and Eligibility Subcommittee and member of the NCAA's Academics, Eligibility and Compliance cabinet.

"He's been very involved at the Big Ten level and he's pretty visible within the athletic department," Murphy told the Daily Herald. "Almost all the athletes and the coaches know him. So I think he'll do a good job.

"He was very helpful to me."

Murphy said Gundlach, who earned his Ph.D. at Northwestern, has served as the school's faculty representative for at least 10 years.

A message left at Gundlach's home Sunday was not immediately returned.

NU president Henry Bienen said Dec. 3 that an interim athletic director would be necessary and that he hoped to name Murphy's permanent successor by the end of January. A source close to the program said 5-6 top candidates have been identified.

Murphy has been NU's athletic director since June 2003.

"Henry wants to move pretty quickly," Murphy said, "but there are so many variables that affect it."