
Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas was fired Monday, the same day the university released a detailed report on mistreatment of student-athletes.
Thomas was not directly connected to the misconduct but interim university chancellor Barbara Wilson said a change in leadership was necessary.
“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,” Wilson said. “There were no findings of misconduct and no violations of policies or standards by Mike in the reports on football and women’s basketball completed by the external reviewers. 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.”
Paul Kowalczyk will move up from his role as senior associate athletic director to fill Thomas’ spot on an interim basis.
Thomas released a statement say he understands the decision made by Wilson.
“The reports indicate that I acted appropriately and immediately whenever I learned of any issues related to the safety and well-being of our students,” Thomas said. “However, I understand the chancellor’s viewpoint that my continued presence may create an ongoing distraction for our students, coaches and staff, and I accept the situation.”
He hired Tim Beckman as head coach in December 2011, four months after becoming athletic director. Beckman was fired in August 2015 because of his direct role in mistreatment of players. Bill Cubit took over as interim coach and though one player claimed Cubit was also responsible, he was ultimately cleared in the investigation.
The report underscores that Beckman “violated standards related to sports medicine protocols and scholarships” in his treatment of his players. The investigation also said that Beckman “pushed players and athletic trainers beyond reasonable limits in systematic fashion.”
Illinois hosts No. 2 Ohio State in Champaign, Ill., on Saturday.