UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

The University of Illinois has fired athletic director Mike Thomas. Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson said in a statement that a change in leadership was needed. Illinois will conduct a press conference today at 11 a.m. in Champaign. “Mike Thomas has done a good job of leading through recent challenges,” Wilson said. “Decisions such as these are always difficult, but we have to focus on the best interests of our student-athletes. I believe this decision allows everyone to move forward.” Senior associate athletic director Paul Kowalczyk will be the interim director, effective immediately. Kowalczyk has been at Illinois since 2012. In the statement released this morning, Wilson said: “I am announcing today that the campus is implementing a change in leadership at the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. Mike Thomas has done a good job of leading through recent challenges, but we have determined it is best to exercise the ‘without cause’ separation clause in his contract at this time. –Chicago Tribune, Read More