Paul Browne has stepped down from his role as NYPD spokesperson in order to move on to the position of vice president for public affairs and communications at the University of Notre Dame, it was announced on Thursday.

The Daily News reports that Browne, 64, will be replaced by John McCarthy, a spokesman and senior adviser for Mayor Bloomberg.

On Thursday July 18, NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said, “Deputy Commissioner Browne served with distinction as DCPI longer than any of his predecessors and at a crucial, transformative time in the Police Department’s history.

“He served the nation too under demanding circumstances with me in Haiti and in other police department and federal posts. I wish Paul and his family all the best in this new opportunity and challenge. Go Irish.”

Kelly went on to say, “John McCarthy brings experience, judgment and legal training to this important position. John is a consummate, thoughtful professional, and I welcome him back to the NYPD.”

After serving as assistant commissioner under Browne for a period, McCarthy made the switch to City Hall last year. He is now set to take over Browne’s role on August 19.

Browne explained that he was offered his new position at Notre Dame after he was contacted by a consulting agency.

“It was a fantastic offer,” Browne said. “They bent over backwards in every way to make this easy. I had one of the greatest jobs there is as DCPI, but that was going to end by the end of the year.”

He said his new job will include “a lot of travel to important cities, where Notre Dame wants to show the flag. It’s a big job.”