David Diles, one of four finalists for the University of Maine’s vacant director of athletics position, has withdrawn from consideration for the job.

Diles, the athletic director at Eastern Michigan University since 1999, notified UMaine officials of his decision on Thursday.

“[Diles] has told us today that he is withdrawing from the process,” said UMaine spokesman Joe Carr, who is a member of the search committee charged with finding a replacement for Suzanne Tyler.

Diles was expected to visit UMaine next week and would have been the last candidate to meet with UMaine constituent groups. He issued a brief press release Thursday announcing his decision.

“It is very difficult not to listen to an opportunity when it is so compelling but I feel that I have to withdraw as a candidate for the athletic director position at the University of Maine,” Diles said. “I like the direction our program is headed at Eastern Michigan University and I want to be part of our future progress.”

Robert Corran of the University of Minnesota-Duluth and Jody Mooradian of Northeastern have already made their campus visits, while Patrick Nero of the University of Miami is in Orono today.

“There are no plans to bring in any additional candidates,” Carr said.