Michigan State is still searching for a permanent athletic director after Bill Beekman stepped down earlier this month.

Pittsburgh athletic director Heather Lyke was asked about her candidacy for the job on Friday afternoon.

“There has (been contact),” Lyke said. “I’m very happy at Pitt. I’m thrilled to work for Chancellor Gallagher. I expect to stay here and hope to make that arrangement work.”

Lyke has been Pittsburgh’s athletic director since 2017. She has ties to the region and has also worked at Eastern Michigan, Ohio State and Cincinnati. She’s a graduate of the University of Michigan.

If Lyke does indeed stay at Pittsburgh, it would extend Michigan State’s search to other candidates.

Last week, the Detroit Free Press reported that men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo was blocked from potentially serving as the school’s interim athletic director.

Per the report, Izzo and football coach Mel Tucker have not been involved in the process of searching for a new AD.

Michigan State’s football season begins on Sept. 3 against Northwestern.