News: Illinois Announces Tom Michael As Deputy Athletic Director

NEWS: According to the University of Illinois, Eastern Illinois University, and other reports, Illinois will regain a familiar face in its athletic department. Tom Michael is officially returning to Champaign as the University of Illinois’ Deputy Director of Athletics after spending the last 12 years leading Eastern Illinois’ athletic department.

The @EIU_Panthers Athletic Department announced that Athletic Director Tom Michael will step down to return to his alma, Illinois in the role of Deputy AD.

Release👀⬇️https://t.co/htbvXLOcBX pic.twitter.com/ra0OVwmHnA

— Eastern Illinois Athletics (@EIU_Panthers) May 5, 2026

The move brings Michael back under AD Josh Whitman in a senior administrative role, filling the vacancy Roger Denny left when he departed to become the next athletic director at the University of Oklahoma.

In his new position, he’ll serve as the second-highest-ranking official within the Illinois athletics department. Michael will have duties including sport oversight, facilities, capital projects, and business operations. Additionally, he’ll also have direct involvement with the football and track and field programs. Henceforth, Michael will serve with broader Big Ten and NCAA responsibilities.

Of course, Michael is no stranger to Champaign. Before taking over at EIU back in 2014, Tom spent nearly two decades (1996 – 2014) in the Illini athletic department in various roles, eventually rising to Senior Associate AD before departing during the Mike Thomas era. Notably, he also played basketball for Illinois from 1991–94 and remains deeply tied to the university both professionally and personally.

At Eastern Illinois, Michael oversaw a solid era of success. He oversaw several conference championships, facility upgrades, and academic achievement across Panther programs. He also built a national reputation through committee work and leadership roles in Division I athletics governance.

Now, he returns to Illinois as a veteran administrator with a track record of program-building at the FCS level.

Tom Michael Discusses His Return to Champaign

Michael on his new role and return to Illinois: “I am thrilled with this opportunity to come back home and work with Josh Whitman and the outstanding team he’s assembled. There is so much positive momentum right now at Illinois. As an alum, there is a tremendous amount of pride in the success that is being achieved across the board. As a professional, I am honored to be able to return to Champaign and work alongside the best teams, coaches, and staff you will find in college athletics.

I also want to thank President Gatrell and all the fine people at Eastern Illinois that I’ve enjoyed working with these last 12 years. It has been a great situation in Charleston with a supportive President, passionate coaches, and dedicated student-athletes who represent the Panthers in a first-class fashion.”

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