PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

University of Pittsburgh has dismissed Heather Lyke as its Panthers director of athletics and has immediately launched a “national, comprehensive search” for a leader who would bring new vision to the athletic program.

Lyke has been Pitt athletic director since 2017, after serving five years as Eastern Michigan’s athletic director.

Pitt President Joan T.A. Gabel issued this statement Monday: “Today, I informed University of Pittsburgh director of athletics, Heather Lyke, that I was making a change in the leadership of our athletics program. 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.

“Her tenure included successes from football’s first ACC championship to volleyball reaching its first-ever NCAA Final Four while representing the University at the conference and national levels. 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. On behalf of all Panthers, we wish Heather and her family the best with appreciation for their service to Pitt.

“We are immediately initiating a national, comprehensive search for a new Panthers director of athletics, and we are confident that under the direction of interim director of athletics Jennifer Tuscano, Pitt Athletics will continue to do its part to elevate our University and win the Pitt way — both in the classroom and in competition.”

Lyke’s six-year extended contract ends this year. She was one of three finalists for the athletic director job at Northwestern in late August, but was not selected.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Lyke has overseen development of Victory Heights, a $240 million facility to house volleyball, gymnastics and wrestling competitions, plus several other training facilities and offices for Pitt sports teams. Fundraising is ongoing for the project.

Under Lyke’s tenure, the athletic department received two major financial gifts: $20 million from donor Chris Bickell and a seven-figure donation from former Panthers defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

The success of multiple Pitt athletic programs under Lyke was recognized in 2023 when she received the Cushman & Wakefield Athletic Director of the Year award from the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.