Utah State to Boot Coach Blake Anderson Over Title IX Noncompliance

Utah State University told head football coach Blake Anderson on Tuesday they plan to fire him over a spring 2023 incident.

ESPN first reported Anderson's administrative leave earlier that day, according to USA TODAY.

University officials confirmed the decision, citing violations of his employment agreement and university policies.

This follows an external review concerning Title IX compliance, which requires timely reporting of sexual misconduct, including domestic violence, and prohibits employees from investigating such cases independently.

"This decision comes after a thorough external review of alleged noncompliance with university policies that implement Title IX, which require full and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct - including domestic violence - and prohibit employees from investigating disclosures of sexual misconduct themselves," Utah State said in a statement.

Utah State Names Nate Dreiling Interim Coach

Utah State University has appointed Nate Dreiling as interim coach for the upcoming season, following the dismissal of head coach Blake Anderson due to actions in spring 2023, per FOX Sports.

Athletic director Diana Sabau informed players and staff of the decision during meetings on Tuesday, according to a university news release.

The university announced the termination of Jerry Bovee, associate vice president/deputy athletic director of external affairs, and Austin Albrecht, football director of player development and community.

This action was taken due to violations related to reporting sexual and domestic violence, as well as failures in professional responsibilities.

Bovee previously served as Utah State's interim athletic director in 2023.

Title IX policies, which mandate prompt reporting of sexual misconduct, including domestic violence, and prohibit employees from conducting their own investigations, were highlighted by Utah State officials.

In an email to faculty and staff, Sabau and President Elizabeth Cantwell emphasized the university's commitment to accountability and integrity following a comprehensive external investigation.

"While recognizing the impact of these decisions on our student athletes and football program, we will continue to take the steps necessary to deliver a respectful, transparent and winning culture at Utah State University," Sabau and Cantwell stated.

According to school officials, Anderson has 14 days to respond to the university's decision under the terms of his employment agreement. They noted that no further details would be released until all opportunities to respond or appeal have expired.

Meanwhile, deputy athletic director Jerry Bovee, who temporarily filled the role of athletic director in 2023, and football director of player development Austin Albrecht were also dismissed "for violating university policies on reporting sexual and domestic violence, and for failing in their professional duties."

Blake Anderson's Coaching Career Highlights

Coach Blake Anderson, who led Utah State to bowl games in each of his three seasons, posted a 23-17 record, Standard Examiner noted.

He achieved an 11-3 season in 2021, followed by 6-7 records in the last two years.

Before joining Utah State, Anderson coached at Arkansas State from 2014 to 2020, where he compiled a 51-37 record.

He took a leave of absence before the 2019 season due to his wife Wendy Anderson's death from breast cancer after a two-year battle.

He returned for the second game that season and helped Arkansas State to an 8-5 finish.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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