Pitt director of athletics Heather Lyke relieved of duties

PITTSBURGH — The University of Pittsburgh announced Monday that director of athletics Heather Lyke has been relieved of her duties.

Lyke joined the Panthers in 2017. During her tenure, the football team won its first ACC championship and the volleyball team appeared in its first NCAA Final Four.

Lyke also sent the Pitt men’s basketball team in a winning direction, hiring head coach Jeff Capel.

“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. On behalf of all Panthers, we wish Heather and her family the best with appreciation for their service to Pitt,” University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel said.

“Pitt Athletics has a long tradition of being one of the nation’s leading athletics programs, with world-class student-athletes, coaches and staff, and amazing fans and donors, all anchored in one of the world’s top research universities. The program truly represents the front porch of our University, bringing in our community by serving as an important access point across campus, our region, our nation and the world,” Gabel continued.

Jennifer Tuscano will serve as interim director of athletics while a nationwide search is underway for a new person to fill the role.

Monday evening, Lyke posted a statement to her social media, noting that she was proud of the student-athletes and coaches’ accomplishments and thanking Pittsburgh for embracing her and her family.

Read her full statement below:

Thank you for a memorable seven years with @Pitt_ATHLETICS @PittTweet #H2P At your convenience, please read my attached statement. pic.twitter.com/fOk0YW9fgb
— Heather Lyke (@HeatherRLyke) September 9, 2024