The eight-member committee that has started searching for a new University of Illinois athletic director includes a professor, a coach and a university athlete.

Barbara Wilson is the interim chancellor at the Urbana-Champaign campus. She says she wants to hire someone to “restore the athletics program to a position of pride”– but does not have a timetable for replacing Mike Thomas, fired last month after complaints from athletes over treatment by coaches.

The committee includes soccer coach Janet Rayfield. A former soccer player has sued the university alleging she was improperly cleared to play after concussions.

A search firm may also be used.