Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke relieved of her duties

The University of Pittsburgh announced Monday that athletic director 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 made its first appearance in the NCAA Final Four.

Lyke also led the Pitt men's basketball team to success by hiring head coach Jeff Capel.

“As we enter a new era of college athletics that seems to be changing daily, we need a new vision and a new leader for our athletic department. On behalf of all Panthers, we wish Heather and her family the best and thank them for their service to Pitt,” said Joan Gabel, Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh.

“Pitt Athletics has a long tradition as one of the nation's premier athletic programs, with world-class student-athletes, coaches and staff, and tremendous fans and donors, all anchored by one of the world's leading research universities. The program is truly the front door of our university and engages our community by serving as a key access point to the campus, our region, our country and the world,” Gabel continued.

Jennifer Tuscano will serve as interim director of athletics while a national search is conducted for a new person to fill the position.

On Monday evening, Lyke released a statement on social media saying she was proud of the accomplishments of the student-athletes and coaches and thanked Pittsburgh for welcoming her and her family into the community.

Read their full statement below:

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