Louisville promotes Heird to full-time athletic director

Updated Jun. 3, 2022 8:40 a.m. ET

Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Louisville’s athletic board has promoted Josh Heird to permanent athletic director after nearly six months leading the department on an interim basis.

The University of Louisville Athletic Association’s board of directors and personnel committee approved Heird’s promotion in a special meeting on Friday morning. He received a five-year contract through June 2027 with a proposed base annual salary of $850,000 plus incentives.

Heird, 41, said in a release: “I am extremely aware of the responsibility and expectations that come with this appointment. I will work tirelessly to provide our world-class coaches, staff, and student-athletes with the resources essential to achieve their academic and athletic dreams.”

The decision follows a national search that began last month with the committee interviewing several ADs from other schools before ultimately recommending Heird.

Louisville interim President Lori Stewart Gonzalez said in a statement that Heird “represents who we are today — and who we aspire to be. ... He has demonstrated time and again that not only is he ready to lead our program — he is ready to elevate it."

Since taking over Louisville athletics in mid-December following Vince Tyra’s resignation, the former deputy AD has overseen the departure of men’s basketball coach Chris Mack and the hiring of former Cardinals player Kenny Payne as his successor.

Also, Louisville’s women’s basketball team reach its fourth Final Four under coach Jeff Walz, who received a contract extension this spring.