TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona athletic director Dave Heeke is out after seven years on the job.
The school announced Monday that Heeke will “transition” out of Arizona athletics on Feb. 2 and will be replaced on an interim basis by former Wildcats softball coach Mike Candrea.
“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 C. Robbins said in a statement. “He helped put our men's and women's basketball programs and our football program on a strong track record, oversaw the success of several of our sports teams, and greatly improved the student-athlete experience. Dave always displayed the utmost integrity and I appreciated his collegiality and dedication.”
Heeke came to Tucson after serving as athletic director at Central Michigan, and his departure was announced six days after hiring Brent Brennan as Arizona's head football coach. Heeke also hired Jedd Fisch, who led a turnaround in the football program before leaving for Washington, and basketball coach Tommy Lloyd, the 2022 national coach of the year.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to have served the University of Arizona for the past seven years,” Heeke said in a statement. “Tucson and the entire Wildcat Nation are incredible communities that Liz and I have embraced with our hearts. I want to thank President Robbins, our talented coaches, our dedicated staff and our loyal fans for their partnership on this journey.”
Candrea stepped down as the winningest coach in NCAA softball history in 2021 after leading the Wildcats to eight national championships during his 36-year tenure.
