Martin Newton, currently the director of operations for men’s basketball at Kentucky, has been hired as Samford’s athletic director, the school announced Wednesday at a news conference.Newton, who played for Samford from 1979-83, will replace Bob Roller this spring. Newton is expected to stay on staff at Kentucky through its postseason run.”Samford University is not only bringing home one of their own, but they are getting one of the brightest and most progressive athletic administrators I have ever been around,” UK head coach John Calipari said in a release. “Martin Newton has been a huge asset for the University of Kentucky basketball program over these past two years and on a personal level he has become a dear friend and trusted confidant.”Newton graduated from Samford with a business degree in 1983. He was a four-year starter at point guard for the Bulldogs, who he led in assists for four consecutive years.Prior to joining UK, Newton worked with Nike as Nike College Basketball Manager for 13 years. Before working with Nike, Newton spent 13 years working with Converse in sales and promotions and sports marketing. Newton served as the television color commentator on the Big Blue Sports Network from 1996-2006. Prior to that, he served as the color commentator for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers’ basketball broadcasts.”This is the greatest part of occupying the seat I have at UK — seeing our staff members reach their dreams and further their own careers,” Calipari said. “Everyone at UK wishes Martin all the best and we thank him for all his hard work and dedication.”