(a) The provisions of this article relating to academic tenure shall not be applicable to periods of service in the classes of Director of Athletics or athletic coach.

(b) Appointments to the classes of Director of Athletics or athletic coach shall be made by the president on either an academic year, ten-month or twelve-month basis, and may be renewed on a year-to-year basis, without acquisition of tenure.

(c) Individuals who have served without a break in service in the classes of Director of Athletics or athletic coach, or both, and who are appointed to positions in which academic tenure may be gained, may be credited with not more than two years of service in such positions as service required for tenure; provided, that when such an individual is appointed to the position of Professor, he must serve at least one year in probationary status immediately prior to gaining tenure.

(d) The provisions of this Section shall not be applicable to probationary academic employees appointed prior to September 1, 1971, provided that at the discretion of the president and at the request of the academic employee, an academic employee who has been serving as a coach or director of athletics, may be appointed under the provisions of Subdivision (b) of this Section.