Pitt chancellor Joan Gabel announced her decision to fire Heather Lyke on Monday. Lyke had served as the Panthers' athletic director for eight years following five years at Eastern Michigan, 16 years at Ohio State (assistant AD) and three years at Cincinnati (assistant AD).
"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," chancellor Joan 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."
According to Pete Thamel and Andrea Adelson of ESPN, Lyke and Gabel — whom Pitt inaugurated as chancellor in April — did not agree on several issues related to college athletics, including name, image and likeness.
ESPN also reported that executive associate athletic director Jennifer Tuscano will serve as interim athletic director until the school hires Lyke's permanent replacement.
In an interview with ESPN earlier this year, Lyke said she "felt great" about his future at Pitt. "I love it. I love the people. I love my new chancellor. We've got an awesome board," she said. "I've got an awesome group of coaches and the right number of sports. I'm a Midwest kid. It fits me. I'm really happy."
While Lyke's quote indicated her contentment at Pitt, the 53-year-old was also considered a finalist for several athletic director positions, including Northwestern's job, which Villanova's Mark Jackson landed two weeks ago. Lyke also pursued the Ohio State job earlier this year.
