Former Red Sox manager Valentine ready to try hand in college athletics, as Sacred Heart AD

Bobby Valentine speaks during news conference at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. Valentine has been named executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Sacred Heart. (AP Photo/The Connecticut Post, Brian A. Pounds) MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

Senior Vice President of Athletics and Student Affairs James Barquinero, left, introduces Bobby Valentine during news conference at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. Valentine has been named executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Sacred Heart. (AP Photo/The Connecticut Post, Brian A. Pounds) MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Bobby Valentine has been introduced as the new athletic director of Sacred Heart University.

Valentine, a Connecticut native fired as manager of the Boston Red Sox after just one season, will take over a program that competes in the Northeast Conference and has 31 teams, including baseball.

The high-profile hiring by the Pioneers brought a packed crowd to his press conference. Approximately 300 people attended, including several athletes.

Valentine, who agreed to the position last week with Sacred Heart, led the Red Sox to a 69-93 record, and was fired with a year remaining on his contract.

His new post doesn't begin officially until July 1, the school says.