Arizona University Fires Athletic Director Dave Heeke Amid Financial Crisis

Former Coach Jedd Fisch's Departure and Contract Mishandling Contribute to Crisis; Mike Candrea Steps in as Interim Director

Arizona University has ended its relationship with Athletic Director Dave Heeke due to poor money handling and operation issues, causing a financial crisis in the sports department.
Former main coach Jedd Fisch's departure to a high-paying job at Washington and the alleged mishandling of his contract significantly contributed to the financial crisis.
The university faces a budget shortfall of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars, leading to widespread cuts across various departments and imminent layoffs within the athletic department.
Dave Heeke's handling of the coaching situation, particularly the failure to secure Jedd Fisch's continued tenure, has added fuel to the fire.
In the wake of Heeke's departure, former softball coach Mike Candrea has been appointed the interim director of athletics.