Michael J. Thomas

Michael J. "Mike" Thomas is the Director of Athletics at the University of Cincinnati. He is a two-time winner of the General Neyland Director of Athletics of the Year Award (2004 and 2008) and has laid out the strategic plan for UC Athletics, entitled CATAPULT. This plan challenges every UC team to win a BIG EAST Championship within five years, to achieve at a high level academically, and to be active in the community.

Mike Thomas has fired/dismissed 5 coaches (Andy Kennedy (Men's Basketball), Laurie Pertile (Women's Basketball), Meridy Glenn (Women's Soccer), Kimberly Jones (Women's Tennis), Jim Schnur (Women's Track))at UC a new record for any AD at UC.

Under Mr. Thomas leadership the Men's Basketball program has lost money for the first time in 25 years. Financial hardships at the Athletic department resulted in the killing of the women's rowing team. A title IX lawsuit from the rowing team is still pending in the US courts.

Thomas has hired five new head coaches at UC, including Brian Kelly (football), Mick Cronin (Men's Basketball), Kelly Hall (Women's Basketball), Lellie Swords (Women's Lacrosse) and Michelle Salmon (Women's Soccer). Mike Thomas has yet to hire a coach that has improve the program over the previous coach in Big East play.

The University of Cincinnati teams have made one NCAA Appearance during his tenure at the UC- A return to the dark ages of the 80's for UC athletics

Thomas is a graduate of Colorado State University (BS) and Western Illinois University (MS).