John McNamara, the associate athletic director for external affairs at the University of Hawaii, is leaving the job in March.

Neither McNamara nor UH athletic director David Matlin would say specifically why, though both provided statements to the Star-Advertiser.

“This decision was made following discussions with David Matlin about what his needs are as he begins his tenure as athletics director,” said McNamara, who has held the position since 2004. “I respect his right to assemble his own executive team and make the changes he feels will allow him to achieve success.”

Matlin applauded McNamara’s work with the UH corporate partner program, and his statement sounded like a welcoming for a new employee — until the last paragraph that starts, “We will begin a search for John’s replacement soon.”

“John’s history and knowledge (in revenue generating and marketing) will assist in development of our new initiatives,” Matlin said earlier in the statement. “Additionally, he will continue as the associate athletics director and assist with transitional issues that include making recommendations for the future.”

Matlin was named athletic director in March. McNamara was also a finalist for the job.

According to UH Board of Regents policies, “Executive and managerial personnel who do not have return rights and whose appointments are being terminated without cause, shall be provided prior written notice of termination of appointment.”

Since McNamara has worked more than two years at UH, the length of that notice is six months, according to the BOR rules. He is scheduled to remain at UH until March 3.

McNamara’s salary is around $140,000 per year.

“In the end, we both want what’s best for the UH athletics department and its student-athletes and I will spend my remaining time at UH assisting David and the department in any way I can while I explore new career ventures,” McNamara said.

McNamara did not say Tuesday what those ventures might be, other than he hopes to remain in Hawaii.