The University of Louisville has appointed an acting athletic director.
Louisville businessman Vince Tyra, a member of the U of L Foundation board and the son of the late U of L basketball star Charlie Tyra, will take over the duties of Tom Jurich.
Jurich was suspended with pay last week after it was revealed that the U of L men’s basketball program is included in a federal complaintalleging that high school recruits were given bribes to attend schools sponsored by the Adidas apparel company.
Tyra, 51, is a partner in the private equity firm Southfield Capital and has ties to several other businesses. He’s also a part-owner of Louisville’s minor league soccer club.
Tyra’s appointment was announced today by U of L Interim President Greg Postel.
“Vince Tyra is an exceptional leader who will provide stability to our athletics department,” Postel said in a press release. “His success in business, his athletic background and his close ties to the university and the athletics department will be important to the continuing success of our program.”
U of L basketball coach Rick Pitino remains on unpaid leave in the wake of the federal probe, and Postel has been given the go-ahead by the university’s athletic board to begin the process of firing him.
Assistant Coach David Padgett was appointed interim headcoachlast week.
This post has been updated.