Syracuse, N.Y. - A major shift is coming to Syracuse University’s athletic department. After nearly a decade at the helm, John Wildhack is stepping down as Director of Athletics, with his retirement set for July 1. It’s the end of a notable era for SU sports, one that’s seen its fair share of turbulence and transformation in the ever-evolving world of college athletics.
Wildhack, who took over the role in 2016, helped guide the Orange through some of the most complex and fast-moving changes in collegiate sports history - from the rise of NIL to conference realignment and the growing influence of media rights. Now, with both Wildhack and Chancellor Kent Syverud preparing to move on - Syverud is headed to the University of Michigan - the university finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The twin departures raise a critical question: who will make the call on Wildhack’s replacement, and just as importantly, who will get the job?
Syracuse has no shortage of intriguing candidates, and the names already circulating offer a mix of alumni ties, administrative experience, and deep-rooted connections to the broader college athletics landscape. Let’s break down a few of the potential successors who could be in line to take the reins.
Tom Theodorakis - Army Athletic Director
There’s a lot to like about Theodorakis’ resume, especially for Syracuse fans looking for a familiar face with a modern administrative edge. A Long Island native and former SU lacrosse player (2002-06), Theodorakis has steadily climbed the ranks in college athletics. His stops include stints at Air Force, Arizona, UCLA, and Harvard before landing at Army, where he rose from deputy AD in 2023 to athletic director in 2025.
What makes him particularly compelling is his blend of Power Four experience and leadership at a service academy - two very different, but equally demanding, environments. Add in his Orange playing days, and he checks a lot of boxes for SU.
Heather Lyke - Special Advisor at Syracuse
Lyke is already inside the building, which could give her an edge. Brought on last July as a special advisor to both Syverud and Wildhack, her presence raised some eyebrows at the time. Was it a strategic move to groom her as Wildhack’s successor?
Her credentials are solid. Lyke served as athletic director at Pittsburgh and Eastern Michigan, giving her a strong track record in both Power Four and mid-major settings. If SU is looking for continuity and someone who’s already engaged with the current administration, Lyke could be a natural fit.
Dr. Andrew Goodrich - Akron Athletic Director
Goodrich brings a mix of institutional knowledge and recent leadership experience. Currently the AD at Akron, he previously led Gardner-Webb’s athletic department and, perhaps most importantly, spent four years at Syracuse as deputy director of athletics (2018-22). During that time, he was part of both the Chancellor’s University Leadership Team and Wildhack’s Executive Cabinet.
Goodrich played a key role in negotiating the naming rights deal with JMA Wireless - a significant partnership for SU. He’s well-versed in the internal workings of the university and has the academic credentials to match: a master’s from Notre Dame and a PhD from South Florida.
Reggie Terry - Boston College Senior Associate AD
Terry’s name carries weight in Syracuse circles. A former linebacker for the Orange (1989-93), he’s now the senior associate athletic director at Boston College. His journey includes time with the Arizona Cardinals and a 14-year run at Syracuse, where he moved from director of football operations to associate AD for football.
Terry knows what SU athletics is all about, both on the field and behind the scenes. His long tenure at BC and NFL experience add another layer to his candidacy - someone who understands big-time football and the demands of a Power Four athletic department.
Nick Carparelli - Executive Director of Bowl Season
Carparelli brings a unique résumé, one that spans nearly every corner of the sports world. He’s worked in university athletic departments, conference offices (Big East), the NFL (New England Patriots), bowl administration, and even at Under Armour. That kind of versatility is rare.
He’s also got Orange roots. Carparelli earned his master’s at Syracuse in 1994 and spent two years as a graduate assistant with the football team. His broad-based experience could make him a wildcard candidate - someone who can navigate both the business and competitive sides of college sports.
David Benedict - UConn Athletic Director
Benedict might be a long-shot, but he’s certainly worth a mention. Since taking over at UConn in 2016, he’s overseen one of the most successful athletic departments in the country - particularly in men’s and women’s basketball. He was named a 2025 NACDA AD of the Year, a testament to his leadership.
While there’s been chatter about his interest in moving to a Power Four school, it’s unclear whether Syracuse is the right fit. Still, his experience at places like Auburn, Minnesota, and Arizona State adds to his appeal.
Ryan Bamford - UMass Athletic Director
Bamford has led UMass since 2015 and recently orchestrated the school’s move from the Atlantic 10 to the Mid-American Conference - a strategic shift aimed at bolstering the basketball program. That kind of bold decision-making could resonate with SU officials.
Though he doesn’t have direct ties to Syracuse, Bamford is a New York native and Ithaca College alum. His background includes time at Georgia Tech and Yale, giving him a mix of Power Four and Ivy League experience.
Mark Jackson - Northwestern Athletic Director
Another long-shot, but not without intrigue. Jackson took over at Northwestern two years ago after a successful run at Villanova, where he served as AD from 2015 to 2024. He’s also got football chops, having played at Colby College and worked under Pete Carroll at USC.
Jackson’s recent move to Northwestern could complicate things, but his track record of success in multiple roles makes him a name to watch - especially if SU is looking for someone with a strong football background and a steady hand.
As Syracuse prepares for a new chapter, the next hire will shape not just the athletic department but the university’s broader positioning in a rapidly shifting college sports world. Wildhack’s successor will inherit the challenge of navigating NIL, media rights, and conference dynamics - all while keeping the Orange competitive across the board.
It’s a big job. And with the right hire, Syracuse has a chance to solidify its place in the future of college athletics.