University Of Pittsburgh Fires Athletic Director Heather Lyke

PITTSBURGH, PA — The University of Pittsburgh on Monday announced the firing of athletic director Heather Lyke, a year after she won a national athletic director of the year award.

Pitt Chancellor Joan Gabel said Lyke was dismissed because the university needs new leadership for a new era in college sports.

"Upon her arrival at Pitt in 2017, Heather guided our program through a unique period in college athletics and we thank her for her leadership during that time," Gabel said in a statement. "However, as we enter a new era in college athletics, one that seems to change by the day, we need a new vision and a new leader of our athletics department."

Lyke, a 2023 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Cushman & Wakefield AD of the Year

Award recipient, had clashed with Gabel on various issues, ESPN reported.

Lyke is under contract through June 2025, but was publicly identified as a recent finalist for the Northwestern athletic director position and sought the same job at Ohio State earlier this year.