MIAMI — Embattled Miami Police Chief John Timoney will step down from his post, city officials told The Miami Herald on Wednesday.

The decision comes the same day newly elected Mayor Tomas Regalado, who had pledged to remove Timoney from the position, was sworn in at an inauguration ceremony.

Timoney, who has been police chief for seven years, said he would stay on until a new chief is chosen, City Manager Pete Hernandez said Wednesday.

"It will be a smooth transition,'' Hernandez said.

Timoney could not immediately be reached for comment.