Arizona Wildcats AD Dave Heeke resigned after seven years.
Dave Heeke, the athletic director of Arizona, resigned after a seven-year tenure due to financial challenges the university encountered before it transitioned to the Big 12 League.
He has consistently demonstrated the utmost integrity, so I am grateful for his collaboration and commitment.
A “transition in leadership” within the department was declared by the school on Monday. Former Wildcats softball director Mike Candrea will take over as interim AD in Heeke’s absence beginning February 2.
Robert C. Robbins, president of the University of Arizona, issued the following statement: “I would like to thank Dave for his extraordinary efforts in guiding our sports program through a turbulent period.”
“Discontinued from several of our sports teams, he significantly improved the student-athlete experience and assisted in propelling our women’s and men’s basketball programs as well as our football program to success.
Arizona is attempting to shore out a financial crisis that was exacerbated partially by the COVID-19 pandemic at the time of Heeke’s action. Fisch’s potential contract extension was a topic of discussion, but it remained unresolved.
Thursday, Heeke unveiled a strategy to assist the institution in recouping from a $240 million miscalculation for anticipated cash on hand that affected the entire university.
On this journey, I would like to express my gratitude to President Robbins, our gifted coaches, dedicated staff, and devoted supporters for their collaboration.
In addition to implementing hiring freezes and halting all major construction projects, the athletic department continues to be responsible for repaying a $55 million loan that was issued amidst the pandemic.
Heeke relocated to Tucson after his tenure as athletic director that Central Michigan. The declaration of his departure occurred six days after the appointment of Brent Brennan as the head football coach of Arizona.
Jedd Fisch, who oversaw a significant transformation in the football program before he departed for Washington, and Tommy Lloyd, the 2022 national coach for the year in basketball, were also hired by Heeke.
“For the past seven years, it has been a privilege and an honor to have led the University of Arizona,” Heeke stated in a statement.
“Liz and I have wholeheartedly embraced Tucson and the amazing communities that comprise the Wildcat Nation.”
Under Heeke’s direction, the Wildcats hired Gonzaga associate Tommy Lloyd as their basketball men’s coach in 2021, among other coaching searches.
In 2020, Kevin Sumlin was replaced as quarterback coach of the New England Patriots by Jedd Fisch.
Recently, he selected Brent Brennan of San Jose State to replace Fisch at Washington, where he vacated the position.
Under Lloyd’s leadership, the Wildcats went on to win the Pac-12 Tourney in each of his times at the helm, amassing an overall record of 75-15.
Fisch was regarded by many as an effective hire in 2023 when he assisted in the Wildcats’ turnaround from 1-11 in his rookie season to 10 victories. Since 2014, this was the very first time the Kentucky Wildcats had won double-digit games.
Lloyd is additionally evaluated as a long-term home run decision on the hardwood. Following two decades as an assistant at Gonzaga, Heeke appointed the West Coast native as the head coach in place of the enduring Sean Miller.
Robert C. Robbins, president of Arizona, issued the following statement: “I would like to thank Dave for his extraordinary efforts in guiding our athletics team through a period of notable change.”
“He significantly improved the student-athlete experience, oversaw the success of a number of our sports teams, and assisted in galvanizing our women’s and men’s basketball programs as well as our football program.”
Dave has consistently demonstrated the utmost integrity, and we all are grateful for his collaboration and commitment. I extend my sincere wishes to Dave, Liz, and their family for the coming years on behalf of the entire Wildcats community.