Just when you thought the dust was settling in Tucson, more changes are coming to Arizona Athletics. After nearly seven years, and less than a week after hiring new head football coach Brent Brennan, Dave Heeke is out as Arizona’s Athletic Director.
Heeke will conclude his nearly seven-year tenure on February 2, with former Arizona Softball coach Mike Candrea acting as the interim athletic director.
“I want to thank Dave for his outstanding efforts in leading our athletics program through a period of significant change,” said Arizona president Dr. Robert Robbins in a release on Monday afternoon. “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.”
Dave Heeke, who came to Tucson in 2017 from Central Michigan, left quite the mark on the Arizona Athletics community. He helped hire a number of coaches, including Adia Barnes, Tommy Lloyd, Caitlin Lowe, Chip Hale, Becca Moros, and most recently head football coach Brent Brennan, who replaced Jedd Fisch (another Dave Heeke hire) following his departure for Washington.
During his tenure, Heeke oversaw several major Athletics’ projects, including the construction of the Davis Sports Center, while Arizona won dozens of individual and team Pac-12 and national championships. Women’s basketball made the program’s first Final Four and National Championship appearance, men’s basketball head coach Tommy Lloyd was named national coach of the year in 2022, baseball and softball each made College World Series appearances, and Jordan Geist and Delaney Schnell took home outdoor shot put and platform diving national championships, respectively, in 2023.
Heeke also helped guide Arizona through the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown of college athletics, as well as the ensuing financial difficulties that came as a result, including a $55 million loan from the university to the athletics department that has yet to be full repaid.
While Arizona searches for its next director of athletics, former Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea, who retired as the winningest coach in NCAA softball history in 2021, has agreed to serve as interim AD.
“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,” said Robbins in a release earlier today. “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.”