U of A athletic director Dave Heeke out; Mike Candrea to take over on interim basis

Less than a week after hiring a new football coach, athletic director Dave Heeke and the University of Arizona are parting ways.

UA president Robert C. Robbins announced Monday afternoon that the university is undertaking “a transition in the leadership of the department of athletics.” The news release did not specify whether Heeke was being fired or if it was a mutual breakup.

Heeke, under the official title of Vice President and Director of Athletics, will conclude his nearly seven-year tenure on Feb. 2. Former UA softball coach Mike Candrea will become the interim athletic director, pending approval from the Arizona Board of Regents. ABOR is scheduled to hold a special session Thursday, primarily to review new coaching contracts.

“I want to thank Dave for his outstanding efforts in leading our athletics program through a period of significant change,” Robbins said in the new 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 came to Tucson in 2017 after serving as the director of athletics at Central Michigan University, in addition to several years at other institutions. During his tenure, Arizona has won dozens of team and individual national and Pac-12 Conference championships. Men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd was named national coach of the year in 2022; UA women’s basketball reached the national championship game in 2021; and, later that year, the baseball team advanced to the College World Series. The UA softball team reached the Women’s College World Series in 2019, ’21 and ’22.

During that time, however, the athletic department accrued debts that have yet to be fully repaid. They include a $55 million loan from the university to the athletic department during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It has been my honor and privilege to have served the University of Arizona for the last seven years,” Heeke said in the news release. “Tucson and the entire Wildcat Nation are amazing communities that Liz and I have embraced with our hearts.

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“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! Bear Down! Go Cats!”

Last Wednesday, Heeke appeared at a news conference to introduce new football coach Brent Brennan. Robbins did not appear at the news conference due to being “under the weather,” according to Heeke.

Heeke had flown to Northern California the previous day to finalize terms with Brennan, who had been the coach at San Jose State. Two days earlier, Jedd Fisch left the UA to become the head coach at Washington.

Heeke was involved in negotiations with Fisch since late November, but the two sides were unable to reach the finish line. Fisch guided the Wildcats to a 10-3 season, the fourth 10-plus-win campaign in program history.

Candrea stepped down as the winningest coach in NCAA softball history in 2021, having led the Wildcats to eight national championships during his 35-year tenure.

“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 12, 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.”

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