Two of the longest-tenured members of the Texas A&M athletic department lost their jobs Thursday in a budget-cutting move that eliminated 17 positions.

Director of facilities Billy Pickard and property and inventory supervisor Jim Kotch had a combined 73 years service in the A&M athletic department. Athletic director Bill Byrne said the reduction in force was required to complete a $4.5 million budget cut.

"Our goal was to make spending cuts that would not impact the competitiveness of our teams and to ensure that our student-athletes have a good experience here," Byrne said in a statement. "The cuts came across the entire spectrum of the athletic department."

Associate athletic director Dave South, 63, will continue as the radio broadcaster of A&M sports. He is being paid by Texas A&M Sports Properties through a deal with Learfield Sports.

"It worked out well for them, and it worked out well for me," South said.

The employees who were terminated will be paid until Aug. 31.