• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 21, 2024

Arizona’s AD Is Out Amid University’s Financial Struggles

  • Athletic director Dave Heeke is parting ways with the school.
  • In recent years, the school’s athletics have excelled on the field but struggled financially.
Arizona
James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke is out after seven years leading Wildcat athletics, the university announced Monday.

Financial struggles have bogged down the department in recent weeks. The university loaned the athletic department $55 million during the pandemic and now blames sports for the school’s $240 million budget shortfall. The school’s CFO Lisa Rulney resigned from her position but still works for the university in a new role and makes the same salary, as first reported by the Tucson Agenda.

“Everything is on the table in terms of dealing with athletics,” university president Robert Robbins previously told the Arizona Daily Star. Many wondered if that would mean cutting sports before Heeke shut down the idea on Jan. 11, along with a series of next steps. His plan included a continued hiring freeze, halting new construction projects, shaving off areas of the budget, and growth in certain revenue streams and investments.

The decision is based on Heeke’s “financial and operational mismanagement” that lost important donors and failed to properly manage former head football coach Jedd Fisch’s contract, according to The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy.

The school will move from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 in the fall. The Pac-12’s lower media rights payouts prompted universities to consider switching conferences for better financial opportunities.

“It has been my honor and privilege to have served the University of Arizona for the last seven years,” Heeke said in a statement. “I want to thank President Robbins, our talented coaches, devoted staff, and loyal supporters for their partnership on this journey.”

Heeke hired Fisch, who revitalized the football program before being poached by Washington, and one week ago replaced him with Brent Brennan, who turned around a struggling San Jose State program. Another Heeke hire, men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd, won national coach of the year in 2022 following his first season on the job.

Former Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea will take the reins from Heeke in an interim capacity on Feb. 2. Candrea won eight national championships with the Wildcats and retired in 2021 as the winningest coach in NCAA history.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 25, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts during the first half against the Connecticut Sun during game two of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Unrivaled’s 7-Figure Offer to Caitlin Clark Still On Table

The league has signed several of Clark’s Hawkeyes and Fever teammates.
A photo of Around the Horn's set

‘Around the Horn’ to End 23-Year ESPN Run in 2025

ESPN had reportedly been thinking of canceling the show since the summer.

NBA Legend Hubie Brown Stepping Away From ESPN at 91

Brown has been associated with the league for over 50 years.
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis acknowledges a fan before the start of a game between the Raiders and the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium.

Mark Davis to Unload More of the Raiders

He’s agreed to give 15% to new owners, shortly after the Brady sale.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Who Can Actually Afford Juan Soto?

0:00

Featured Today

Nov 18, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Williams Racing driver Logan Sargeant of the United States (2) during the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.

F1 Grand Prix Upended Vegas Last Year. Stakes Are High for Its..

Stakes are high as F1 gears up for a successful second act.
Classic Football Shirts New York Pop-Up
November 18, 2024

Vintage Soccer Jerseys Have Found a Sweet Spot in the Lucrative U.S...

The money-making shirts are at the prime intersection of memorabilia and fashion.
Nov 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) reacts after fouling Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (not pictured) during the second half at Madison Square Garden.
opinion
November 16, 2024

NBA Ratings Rorschach Test: Buy the Dip

Was it the election? Too many threes? Lack of storylines?
November 15, 2024

Executive Decision: When Richard Nixon Named a College Football Champion

In 1969, the 37th president unilaterally named the winner of the season.
Nov 16, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders looks on before the game against the Utah Utes at Folsom Field.
November 20, 2024

Prime Time: Colorado Now Favored to Win Big 12, Eyes CFP Berth

Colorado is No. 16 in the latest CFP rankings.
Geno Auriemma
November 20, 2024

Geno Auriemma Becomes All-Time Winningest NCAA Basketball Coach

He took the record from Tara VanDerveer, who set it in January.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 20, 2024

Sparks Turn to College Ranks: Utah’s Lynne Roberts Named Head Coach

The Atlanta Dream hired Karl Smesko last week.
November 18, 2024

Louisiana Governor’s PAC Paid for Controversial LSU Tiger

Jeff Landry’s backers funded the tiger that appeared at Alabama-LSU.
November 18, 2024

The WBD-NBA Settlement’s Ripple Effect on College Sports

WBD’s networks will air Big 12 football and men’s basketball games.
Sen. Ted Cruz is introduced by former President Donald Trump at a rally at Million Air, a private airplane terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Friday October 25, 2024.
November 15, 2024

Sen. Ted Cruz Promises College Sports Bill As Commerce Chair

The NCAA could be one step closer to its goals in Congress.