Heeke discusses Illinois director of athletics position
The Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday CMU Athletics Director Dave Heeke was one of seven candidates interviewed on Monday and Tuesday for the director of athletics position at Illinois.
Illinois interim chancellor Barbara Wilson and the school’s search committee are seeking a replacement for former AD Mike Thomas, who was fired in November 2015.
Heeke said he was contacted by Illinois and met with representatives, but is not ready to make a decision.
“We’ll see where that goes,” Heeke said. “I know I’m dedicated and committed to this place because there is great things happening. I’ve been here 10 years and I could see myself here for a lot longer.”
Heeke took over as the CMU Athletics Director in January 2006 after spending 18 years working in the athletics department at Oregon.
In November 2014, The Oakland Press reported Michigan was interested in hiring Heeke as its director of athletics. The Wolverines hired Connecticut AD Warde Manuel earlier this month.
Heeke said Illinois’ interest in him is “a compliment to our program.”
The Chicago Tribune said Illinois is eying candidates to ties at the university, which does not include Heeke.
