LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville has promoted Josh Heird as its newest Athletic Director after serving nearly six months in the interim position.
UofL made the official announcement during a press conference Friday morning.
University official say the appointment is immediate, although contract terms have not been finalized.
According to interim President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, Heird was selected following a national search that drew a “strong” pool of candidates. That's including sitting athletic directors from well-known universities.
Heird has overseen two major moves with the Cardinals’ signature men’s basketball program since taking over on Dec. 13 following Vince Tyra’s resignation.
Louisville and then-head coach Chris Mack agreed to part ways on Jan. 26, and Heird went on to hire former Louisville player Kenny Payne as his replacement on March 18.
Since 2019, Heird has served as Louisville’s sports administrator for basketball, football and baseball along with overseeing areas including championships, facilities and operations. He also oversees the Cardinals’ golf programs and women’s swimming and diving.
Heird worked at Louisville from 2007-16 as assistant AD for championships and facilities before working 2018-19 as Villanova’s senior associate AD and chief athletic operating officer.
A five-year stint working for Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson and Colorado Senator Wayne Allard preceded his collegiate athletics career.
Another key task awaits Heird later this month when Louisville defends against NCAA allegations through the Independent Accountability Resolution Process (IARP). The IARP was created out of proposals from the commission led by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in 2018 to reform college basketball.
Louisville could face possible sanctions resulting from a 2017 federal corruption investigation of college basketball.
The NCAA has also accused the school of additional violations committed under Mack during the 2020-21 season.
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