AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn has hired University of Minnesota deputy athletic director David Benedict as chief operating officer for the athletic department.

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs announced the hiring Tuesday for the newly created position. Benedict will oversee the day-to-day operations of the department.

Jacobs says Benedict “is a proven, results-driven leader with outstanding credentials.”

Jacobs announced the new position in July, along with plans to hire a chief marketing officer. Ward Swift filled the latter position.

He says the Auburn’s operating budget for athletics has grown from $47 million to $102 million since he took over in 2004.

Benedict had been Minnesota’s deputy athletic director since 2012 responsible for supervising sports and student-athlete welfare.