TUCSON, Ariz. — A big change is coming to the University of Arizona as it will part ways with athletic director Dave Heeke, the university announced on Monday.
"I want to thank Dave for his outstanding efforts in leading our athletics program through a period of significant change," University of Arizona President Robert Robbins said in a press release. "He helped get our men's and women's basketball programs and our football program on a strong trajectory, oversaw the success of several of our sports teams and greatly enhanced the student-athlete experience. Dave always displayed the highest integrity, and I am appreciative of his partnership and dedication. On behalf of all Wildcats, I wish Dave and Liz and their family all the best in the years to come."
Heeke was hired by Arizona in 2017 after serving as the athletic director of Central Michigan for 11 years. Before that, he worked in the athletics department at the University of Oregon for 18 years.
He was instrumental in the hiring of men's basketball coach Tommy Lloyd, baseball coach Chip Hale and softball coach Caitlin Lowe. He has also served on the selection committee for the men's NCAA basketball tournament.
While it is not known what exactly led to him leaving Arizona, Heeke, who hired Jedd Fisch as the Wildcats' head football coach in 2020, had come under fire amid Fisch's departure to the University of Washington earlier this month, as Heeke was with the men's basketball team on their road trip to Washington State, where they got stuck for an extra night after issues with the plane the team chartered to come back to Tucson.
While Heeke was stuck in Pullman, Washington Athletic Director Troy Dannen made a trip to Tucson and signed Fisch, who had resurrected the football program from their winless 2020 season to a reported seven-year contract.
Heeke then worked quickly to replace Fisch, hiring San Jose State's Brent Brennan as the new head football coach just three days after Fisch left.
"It has been my honor and privilege to have served the University of Arizona for the last seven years. Tucson and the entire Wildcat Nation are amazing communities that Liz and I have embraced with our hearts," Heeke said. "I want to thank President Robbins, our talented coaches, devoted staff, and loyal supporters for their partnership on this journey. Most importantly, I want to thank our student-athletes who committed to our standard of excellence by setting all-time academic records and competing for championships. I am very proud of the work we have accomplished together!"
Longtime Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea, who has been working as a special assistant to Heeke, will take over as the interim athletic director. That move is pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents.
"Every Wildcat knows the history of Mike Candrea and what he means to our university and community, and I am grateful for Mike's willingness to step into the interim role," Robbins said. "I am confident Mike and Dave will ensure a smooth transition as we immediately begin a national search for a new Director of Athletics. With our transition to the Big XII, success in our high-profile programs, a passionate fan base, and institutional alignment, I am confident that we will be able to attract a tremendous new leader of our athletics program."
Candrea stepped down in 2021 as the winningest coach in NCAA softball history and won eight national championships in 35 seasons.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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