Utah State University fired football coach Blake Anderson on Thursday, citing “material breaches of contractual obligations.”
Anderson’s firing comes more than two weeks after the university informed him of its plans to terminate his contract because his actions in spring 2023 violated “both his employment contract and university policies.” The university said it conducted an external investigation and found that Anderson did not comply with Title IX policies regarding reporting sexual misconduct.
The university also fired Jerry Boaby, Utah State’s vice president and associate athletic director for external relations, and Austin Albrecht, director of player development and community affairs, for allegedly violating university policies on reporting sexual and domestic violence and dereliction of duty.
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Utah State Aggies coach Blake Anderson during the first half of a game against the University of New Mexico Lobos at University Stadium on Nov. 26, 2021 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
The school notified Anderson that it was terminating his employment on July 2 and then waited two weeks for him to respond, as required by Utah law.
Utah State officially fired Anderson on Thursday.
“Unfortunately for USU, Mr. Anderson’s response did not acknowledge responsibility as a USU employee and head coach, instead attempting to make excuses and poorly restating the clear language of USU policy,” the university said.
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Utah State Aggies coach Blake Anderson talks on a headset during the first half of a game against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Maverick Stadium on Oct. 13, 2023 in Logan, Utah. (Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
Anderson, 55, was entering his fourth season at the school after compiling a 23-17 record in his first three seasons on the job and winning the Aggies’ first Mountain West championship in his first season.
Nate Dreiling has been promoted to interim head coach after serving as defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach at Utah State under Anderson.
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Utah State Aggies coach Blake Anderson during the first half of a game at University Stadium on Nov. 24, 2023 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
“We know today’s decision will have significant ramifications, but it is the only decision we can make based on the facts,” USU President Elizabeth Cantwell said in a statement. “We are committed to moving forward with building a winning athletics program founded on student success and integrity.”
The Aggies open the 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Robert Morris.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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