A new era has arrived!
University of Pittsburgh athletic director Heather Reich has been fired, a shocking move that comes just months before Reich's current contract is set to expire.
The announcement was made Monday by Pitt President Joan Gabel. Associated Press. (RELATED: Florida State spends a massive $12 million on NIL after 0-2 start to season: Report)
Goebel thanked Reich for his eight years of leadership but said the college sports world is changing rapidly and a new leader is needed.
“We need a new vision and new leadership for our athletics department,” Goebel said in a statement.
Reich helped the Panthers establish themselves in the ACC after dropping out of the Big East when she arrived at the University of Pittsburgh in 2017. Under her guidance, the football team won the 2021 ACC Championship, the men's basketball program regained relevance, the men's soccer team made two College Cup appearances in 2020 and 2022 and the women's volleyball team became a powerhouse.
The University of Pittsburgh announced that athletic director Heather Reich will step down after eight years at the school, and the decision is a shock to some.
Reich had been a candidate for other AD jobs in recent months, including the now-filled position at Northwestern University.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 9, 2024
“College sports is entering a new era with seemingly daily changes that require a new vision and new leadership for our athletic department,” University of Pittsburgh President Joan Goebel said in a statement.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 9, 2024
Let’s assume Heather Reich didn’t raise enough NIL funds… otherwise why would she be fired?
