Ex-Auburn AD Jay Jacobs formally announces retirement

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Jay Jacobs, the former Auburn athletic director who has been serving as Florida's associate AD for external affairs, is formally retiring following nearly four decades in college athletics.

The 62-year-old Jacobs spent 13 years as Auburn's athletic director and won the 2010 national championship in football with coach Gene Chizik and Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton.

"It's bittersweet," Jacobs told The Associated Press. "Made some great relationships over the years. It's tough to leave, but it'll be fun what I'm about to do regardless of where I'm at geographically."

Jacobs spent the past five years at the University of Florida overseeing communications, marketing,…