The University of Illinois fired athletic director Mike Thomas yesterday.
The school also released the final report from U of I’s investigation into the mistreatment of football and women’s basketball players.
Urbana campus Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson says the report found no wrongdoing by Thomas. But she says “a change in leadership was needed in order to move forward.''
Senior Associate Athletic Director Paul Kowalczyk will take Thomas’s place as interim athletic director.
Kowalczyk says he approached the surprise promotion with sadness.
“I have the utmost respect for Mike,” Kowalczyk said. “And we’re friends, colleagues and professionals. I hate to see these things happen at any level, anywhere. And then, when you’re asked to step up, you step up. I felt like it was an obligation and a duty to the university.”
Thomas's firing follows allegations by former football, women's basketball and women's soccer players that they were mistreated by coaches. Football coach Tim Beckman was fired over the allegations.
Lawsuits filed by players in the other two sports are ongoing.
Kowalczyk says there will be no further decisions on the football program until after the season. Bill Cubit has served as interim coach after Beckman’s dismissal.
Thomas will receive a $2.5 million buyout.
