Miles’ reaction to Levick’s transition

New Georgia State football coach Trent Miles is introduced by athletic director Cheryl Levick (left) at his introductory press conference at the GSU Sports Arena Dec. 3, 2012, in Atlanta.

Credit: Jason Getz / AJC File

Credit: Jason Getz / AJC File

New Georgia State football coach Trent Miles is introduced by athletic director Cheryl Levick (left) at his introductory press conference at the GSU Sports Arena Dec. 3, 2012, in Atlanta.

Georgia State’s Trent Miles said he and his family will always be grateful for the opportunity that Cheryl Levick provided when she hired him as football coach in 2012.

Miles was one several current and past coaches to thank Levick, who on Friday announced that she would leave her role as athletic director to become a special assistant to university president Mark Becker, effective July 1. She cited several reasons for the move, including wanting to establish a curriculum of best practices for athletic departments, and to deal with a non-life threatening health issue.

Miles was previously coach of his alma mater, Indiana State.

The Panthers struggled in their first year under Miles, going 0-12 as they continued to deal with the transition from FCS to FBS.

“President Becker and Cheryl, along with others, had a vision for football at the university,” Miles said. “It has progressed from that vision to being competitive in the Sun Belt conference.

“Through President Becker and Cheryl’s leadership, we are positioned for further progress, especially with the Turner Field proposal.”