Arizona hires Central Michigan AD Dave Heeke

Arizona announced Saturday the hiring of Central Michigan athletic director Dave Heeke in the same position.

Heeke, who was the athletic director at CMU since 2006, replaces former Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne, who left for the same position at Alabama.

"I couldn't be more excited to be part of the Arizona Athletics family," Heeke said. "It is truly an honor to be named the new vice president for athletics and have the opportunity to return to the prestigious Pac-12 Conference. I want to thank (school president Ann Weaver Hart) and those involved with the search process for their confidence in my ability to lead one of the premiere athletics departments in the country.

"This program is about excellence and we will continue to focus on achieving at the very highest level athletically and academically, while creating the finest experience in the country for our student-athletes. ... I can't wait to Bear Down."

Prior to becoming Central Michigan's AD, Heek spent 18 years at Oregon, where he became senior associate athletic director/chief of staff.

During his time at Central Michigan, he oversaw a $22.5-million renovation of the football, basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, and volleyball venues.