Arizona AD Dave Heeke receives contract extension

The Arizona Board of Regents unanimously approved a contract extension for Arizona Wildcats athletic director Dave Heeke on Thursday, adding one year to his existing deal.

Under the extension, Heeke is under contract through March 31, 2023. He received a $100,000 raise, to $750,000 per year, with $10,000 raises in place for each subsequent year. The contract also includes a $100,000 retention bonus if he's still in the job at the end of March 2021.

Here's the reason for Heeke being extended, per the ABOR agenda:

“Heeke is strongly supported by President Robbins, UA head coaches, and the Tucson community. Extending Heeke’s contract now will demonstrate UA’s commitment to Heeke and to the leadership he has shown in bringing about organizational changes within UA’s Intercollegiate Athletics department.”

Heeke, 56, was hired away from Central Michigan in April 2017. Since his arrival he's overseen the completion of the Cole and Jeanie Davis Sports Center as well as the renovation of softball and swimming facilities and has initiated a fundraising push to redo the west side of Arizona Stadium. He also hired football coach Kevin Sumlin and issued contract extensions to UA coaches such as softball coach Mike Candrea, soccer coach Tony Amato, volleyball coach Dave Rubio and women's basketball coach Adia Barnes.