Utah State head football coach, Blake Anderson, was fired after an investigation found he failed to properly report a case of potential domestic violence involving a player. The investigation also revealed that Anderson contacted the victim and a witness to the incident without reporting the information to the Office of Equity. Anderson’s response to his termination letter claimed he was fired for “convenience,” not for cause, and denounced the investigation as a “sham.”
The incident in question occurred in April 2023, and Anderson was informed of it but delayed suspending the player and failed to disclose the arrest information to university administrators. The university cited violations of Title IX policies regarding the reporting of sexual misconduct cases as grounds for Anderson’s termination.
In response, Anderson’s attorney argued that the investigation was flawed and that the university misapplied its policies in an attempt to manufacture a reason to fire the coach without paying his buyout. Anderson’s contract was through 2027, and his buyout stood at $4.5 million as of last December. The university has also fired other staff members involved in the case.
Nate Dreiling has been named the interim head coach for the upcoming season, taking over from Anderson. The Aggies will open the 2024 season on Aug. 31 against Robert Morris. The university stated its commitment to moving forward with a winning athletics program grounded in student success and integrity.
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