Utah State has let football coach Blake Anderson know of its intent to fire him after an external investigation of alleged noncompliance with Title IX policies, the school revealed. "that require full and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct, including domestic violence," school officials said.
In a press release, the school said the investigation was the result of "actions taken in spring 2023" that "violated both his employment agreement and university policy." It also accuses Anderson of violating rules that "prohibit employees from investigating disclosures of sexual misconduct themselves."
Anderson isn't the only one about to lose his job in connection with the investigation.
Deputy athletic director Jerry Bovee and director of player development Austin Albrecht were already let go "for violations of university policies related to the reporting of sexual and domestic violence and failures of professional responsibilities."
In the meantime, defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling has been named interim coach.
Athletic director Diana Sabau reportedly with the players and coaches to inform them of the news.
"As leaders, we are responsible for ensuring allegations of USU policy violations are investigated," university president Elizabeth Cantwell and Sabau said in a joint statement. "Today's actions are the result of a thorough external investigation, and we believe the evidence demands immediate action.
"Our job is to fearlessly hold ourselves and others accountable for their conduct and to make sure that, for the sake of our students and our community, we are living the values of our university. 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."
Anderson, 55, has gone 23-17 in three seasons at Utah State, winning the Mountain West Conference in 2021. The Aggies have finished 6-7 in each of the last two seasons, however.
