The University of Alabama has hired Greg Byrne as its new athletic director. Byrne had the same job at the University of Arizona. He was previously AD at Mississippi State University. Byrne replaces Battle, 75, who is retiring from the Alabama post. The Crimson Tide and Coach Nick Saban have the top college football program in the country. Byrne had been in Tucson since 2010. "Greg Byrne has been a strong leader and positive force for Arizona Athletics bringing energy and vision to his role.…