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December 11, 2014
MARIST COLLEGE
Marist seeks an Athletic Communications Assistant to be the primary media contact for several of the college’s 23 Division I sports, as assigned by the Director of Athletic Communications. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here.
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
Denver seeks an Assistant Director of Ticket Sales for Athletics to be responsible for the generation of ticket sales revenue. Apply here. The position will be open until it is filled.
SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
Fellow Southeastern Conference coaches have voted Missouri football’s Gary Pinkel SEC Coach of the Year. Pinkel, who is the winningest coach in Missouri history, led the No. 16 Tigers to a 10-3 record and second straight SEC Eastern Division title. Pinkel was previously named Big 12 Coach of the Year by the Associated Press in 2007. He is the first coach to win two conference coach of the year awards while at Missouri. -Michael Shaw, The Columbia Missourian-
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
CMU introduced Cheryl Stacy as its new women’s golf coach on Wednesday at the team’s indoor practice facility at Mount Pleasant Country Club. Stacy coached the women’s golf team at Michigan from 2009-13 after a four-year stint as an assistant in the Wolverines’ program. Stacy replaces Tom Beidleman, who was dismissed in August after the department learned that he did not have an undergraduate degree.
UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD
University of Hartford president Walter Harrison was named as the NCAA’s 2015 recipient of the Gerald R. Ford Award, which will be presented at the 2015 NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C. The Ford award is named in recognition of the 38th president of the United State, Gerald Ford. Ford was a member of two national championship football teams at Michigan. Established in 2004, the Ford award honors an individual who has provided significant leadership as an advocate for college sports over the course of his or her career.
TROY UNIVERSITY
Troy football head coach Neal Brown announced Wednesday the hiring of Jon Sumrall as the program’s assistant head coach. Sumrall, who will also serve as a defensive assistant coach, joins the Troy staff after spending the last three seasons as the co-defensive coordinator at Tulane.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA WILMINGTON
UNCW seeks an Assistant Director of Development to assist the Athletics Development team in planning, developing, and implementing approaches to solicit donations and Seahawk Club memberships. Apply here by January 5th.
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY – NORTHERN
Derek Opina of ABC Fox Montana reports that three candidates for the head football coaching position at MSU-Northern have emerged as finalists: Ryan Gatch – Head FB Coach at Deadwood High School, Kelly Bills – Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach at Willamette University, and Aaron Christensen – Offensive/Recruiting Coordinator at Missouri Valley College. The interviews and forums take place next week, beginning with Gatch on Monday, followed by Bills on Wednesday, and Christensen on Thursday.
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY
Yesterday, a new name surfaced in the quest to find Eric Wolford’s replacement as head football coach. Multiple sources tell WYTV that Eastern Kentucky Head Coach Dean Hood is also under serious consideration. Hood has spent the past seven seasons in Richmond, posting a record of 49-33 heading up the Colonels program.
CENTRAL COLLEGE
Central College seeks an Assistant Offensive Football Coach to assist in developing and coordinating a football program that is highly competitive in Division III along with following the standards and guidelines established by the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and NCAA. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here.
December 10, 2014
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
OSU has hired Gary Andersen as its new football coach, AD Bob De Carolis announced Wednesday afternoon. Andersen, who led Wisconsin to the Big Ten Conference’s West Division title and a berth in the conference’s championship game in 2014, will be introduced at 1:30 p.m. Friday at a news conference at the Valley Football Center. Andersen succeeds Mike Riley, who left OSU for a similar position at Nebraska. Andersen is 30-9 in his last three years as a head coach, highlighted by an 11-win season at Utah State in 2012 and a 10-win season at Wisconsin this fall.
USA SOUTH ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
Saying she “just feels like it’s time,” Fayetteville native Rita Wiggs announced Wednesday that she will retire as Commissioner of the USA South Athletic Conference on June 30. She is in her 15th year as the guiding force behind the league of NCAA Division III colleges and universities. Wiggs said she never set a timetable for retirement, but decided to end her reign because “the conference is in a good position right now” following expansion. -Thomas Pope-
SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY
Head football coach Steve Briggs has decided to move on to a new role at the university after 25 seasons at the helm of the Crusaders. Briggs, Susquehanna’s winningest coach, guided the program to its only appearance in a Division III semifinal game. He moves onto the role of an advancement officer in the division of university relations. Offensive Coordinator Nate Milne will serve as interim head coach until a new coach is named, and a national search will begin immediately.
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
The Richmond Athletic Department will unveil the new athletics page with a grand opening launch Monday afternoon, December 15th. Over the course of the past few months, the athletic department and its digital media partner, Neulion, have rebuilt and redesigned the webpage to ensure the best experience for visitors to the website looking for news, information, videos and content on Richmond Athletics, as well as tickets and official Spider merchandise available online.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Following certain events of the year that caused issues, Michigan has hired a national PR firm to help out the athletics department. One issue was Hoke’s story, which our College AD had first confirmed last week. Want to know the firm that was hired, and words from a Michigan spokesperson on the situation?
UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
The University of Oregon announced this week that it has finalized a new seven-year partnership with Fermata Partners to serve as the University’s first-ever trademark licensing agency. The University’s licensing program was started as a self-operated program more than three decades ago and has grown to be one of the top ten licensing programs in the country. The new partnership with Fermata formally begins immediately. Oregon currently has almost 400 licensees that will begin the transition process immediately with Fermata.
YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY
Multiple sources report that Bo Pelini will accept the head football coaching position. Pelini was recently the head football coach for the Cornhuskers at the University of Nebraska. In seven seasons at Nebraska, he had an overall record of 67-27. This past season resulted in a 7-5 record, with the last three games of the season resulting in losses. Peeling will replace Eric Wolford, who stepped down late last month.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
President Ray Watts issued a written statement at this morning’s meeting of the UAB Faculty Senate. An excerpt: I am firmly committed to increasing significantly the involvement of faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community in a series of task forces that will look at future directions for athletics and all of our academic programs. Right now I am identifying key areas where these task forces will be helpful. I will also continue to seek advice from all of these constituencies as we put together a search committee for our new athletic director.” -Kelsey Stein-
TENNESSEE TECH UNIVERSITY
Tennessee Tech seeks a Sports Technology Coordinator to assist all athletic teams with video editing software, including troubleshooting and correcting minor issues with software and equipment. Apply here by January 7th. (# 100660)
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
Director of Athletics Keith Gill is one of three representatives from the Atlantic 10 Conference named to the newly formed NCAA Division I Council. The council was announced by the Division I Board of Directors Tuesday morning. Gill will serve on the Council as one of 32 designated conference representatives. He represents the Atlantic 10 Conference interests and will provide a voice for the league on the Council.
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
The Navy football team will wear custom Under Armour “Don’t Tread On Me” uniforms for the 115th Army-Navy Game this Saturday. On the uniforms, the “Don’t Tread On Me” motto is embroidered into the hem of each jersey as well as the side of the pants, and right sleeve of the baselayer. The 13 red and white stripes featured in the flag are incorporated into the shoulders of the jersey, knee insets of the pants, palms of the gloves, baselayer and socks. Under Armour has been outfitting Navy’s 33 men’s and women’s varsity athletic teams since July 1st.
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
Paciolan, the leading provider of ticketing, marketing, fundraising and sales automation solutions in college athletics, announced it has entered into a partnership with Indiana University Bloomington. Indiana will leverage Paciolan’s industry-leading ticketing, fundraising and marketing solutions, as well as the company’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Ticketing Intelligence platforms. Paciolan is a subsidiary of the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm Comcast-Spectacor.
UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA
Bob Meseroll of The Missoulian reports that Colorado School of Mines head coach Bob Stitt has emerged as a candidate to replace Mick Delaney as Montana’s next head football coach. There are thought to be at least two other candidates still in the running: Brent Pease, a former UM quarterback and currently an assistant at the University of Washington; and Ty Gregorak, the Grizzlies’ defensive coordinator. Athletic Director Kent Haslam said Monday he hopes to name a new coach before Christmas.
SALEM INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
SIU seeks a Sports Information Director to manage the SIUTigerPride website as well as maintain all stats and game day operations for all varsity sports. For more information on applying, contact [email protected]. The position will be open until it is filled.
December 9, 2014
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
Kyle Brennan, a member of Utah’s administrative staff since 2008, has been appointed the school’s first deputy athletics director, Utah Athletics Director Dr. Chris Hill announced today. Brennan has served as the senior associate A.D. for administration since 2012. He is the supervising administrator for six departments and the administrative liaison/supervisor for several sports. Hill said that in addition to Brennan’s current duties, he will represent Utah at various Pac-12 and NCAA meetings.
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Oregon State Associate Athletic Director for Football Operations Dan Van De Riet is joining Mike Riley’s staff at Nebraska, a source close to the situation told The Oregonian Tuesday morning. Van De Riet spent 14 years at OSU, first as the assistant director of football operations before being promoted to director of football operations in 2008. He was promoted again to his most recent role in October. -Gina Mizell, The Oregonian-
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
University of Hawaii Athletic Director Ben Jay will resign from his position Tuesday. This news confirms our past reports on the situation. College AD has been in on the news since last week, having conversations with sources within Hawaii Athletics. Jay will meet with coaches at 11:30 a.m. to make the announcement. Norm Chow will return for his fourth season as head coach of the Rainbow Warrior football team. College AD founder, Ryan Conway spoke with ESPN, just this past Friday regarding the Ben Jay situation, and multiple sources around the country we’re informing College AD, a move looked imminent. Hear the full interview and why sources told him Jay was “in over his head”.
BIG 12 CONFERENCE
College AD examines six programs that could be a good fit, and not just Big 12 Conference additions for the sake of adding two teams. So, who should be on Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby’s board as possible candidates?
UNLV
According to Ray Brewer of Las Vegas Sun, there were reports last night that Tony Sanchez is finalizing negotiations to become the next UNLV football coach. Another source also confirmed the news. But Sanchez, the Bishop Gorman HS coach, and UNLV Athletics Director Tina Kunzer-Murphy both responded in text messages last night indicating reports were premature. “Nothing more as of now,” Sanchez messaged. A contract would have to be approved by the Nevada State Board of Regents. They’ve scheduled a special meeting for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 16 in anticipation of UNLV having a contract for them to vote on.
NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
NU seeks an Assistant Athletic Director of Communications to work closely with colleagues in Athletics, Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA) as well as the University community to develop and implement the Athletic Department’s communication’s strategies. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here.
COST OF ATTENDANCE
The University of Texas and the Pac-12 Conference announced plans in October to offer their student-athletes between $2,000-$10,000 a year in addition to their scholarships to cover what is known as the full cost of attendance. Since every institution in America has a different cost of attendance, it could change how mid-major schools recruit against the power five conferences. What you need to know.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI
Ole Miss seeks an Assistant Athletic Media Relations Director (Baseball/Football) to perform duties associated with the coordination of communication, publicity and athletic information to the news media and public pertaining to the sports program as assigned. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here.
QUINCY UNIVERSITY
Quincy University announced plans to completely renovate historic QU Stadium—home of QU baseball and future home of QU football—with a $4 million investment by PFIC, a California-based developer of college facilities. The renovations are to begin immediately and are slated for completion by fall 2015. QU President Dr. Robert Gervasi stated that the improved facilities will benefit not only the players on the field, but also the university as a whole as well as the entire Quincy region.
NIKE
Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State aren’t the only winners of the inaugural College Football Playoffs. Nike has exclusive deals to outfit each of the universities that made the playoffs. That means the Nike brand will be on full display for each of the semifinal games on Jan. 1 and the championship game on Jan. 12. The cost: a bargain $15 million. That’s the combined amount of cash and apparel that Nike will provide the four universities this year in exchange for the right to outfit each university’s entire athletic department. -Matthew Kish, Portland Business Journal-
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State have been selected to play in the first College Football Playoff. Alabama is the top seed and will play Ohio State in one semifinal at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. Oregon is the second seed and will play Florida State in the other semifinal at the Rose Bowl. Both games will be played New Year’s Day. The winners will advance to the national championship game to be played Jan. 12 at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas. -News 8-
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Throughout Twitter and on ESPN, commentators have discussed Baylor’s decision to hire Kevin Sullivan Communications, a public relations firm, as a way to boost Baylor in the rankings. However, Nick Joos, executive associate athletic director, said the department hired the firm to help with the increased media attention. Joos said any media coverage on the topic of hiring the firm as an attempt to lobby for a higher position in the rankings is a misrepresentation of their intent. -Rebecca Flannery, Baylor Lariat-
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO
Athletics Director Lynn Hickey announced yesterday that she has hired Kevin Terry as senior associate athletics director for business/chief financial officer, effective immediately. Terry comes to UTSA with more than 15 years of intercollegiate athletics experience at Florida State, Florida A&M and Georgia Tech. He previously served as an associate athletics director at Florida A&M in Tallahassee. He joined the Florida A&M staff as a volunteer consultant in April 2013 and eventually was promoted in January 2014.
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
According to David Drew of MLive, Western Michigan University is in the process of finalizing a contract extension with football coach P.J. Fleck. The new six-year contract, which is not yet finalized, would run through the 2020 season. Terms of the new contract were not immediately available from WMU officials. Fleck was hired in December of 2012. He signed a five-year contract that would have run through the 2017 season. He has a 9-15 record as WMU’s head coach.
UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA
Football head coach Pete Shinnick has announced the addition of O.C. Williams and Alex Krutsch as the first defensive coaches for the program. Williams will be the team’s defensive passing game coordinator, special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach, and Krutsch will coach the defensive line and will serve as recruiting coordinator. Williams and Krutsch will rejoin Shinnick and fellow assistant coaches Jammie Deese and Steve Saulnier after coaching alongside them at UNC Pembroke.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT WILMINGTON
UNCW Athletic Director Jimmy Bass on Monday announced the elimination of four sports programs on campus. Men’s and women’s outdoor track and field programs have been cut, as well as men’s cross-country and women’s indoor track and field. One new program–women’s sand volleyball–would be added to the athletics department, Bass said. Coaching positions will also be eliminated, Bass said. Scholarship commitments for affected student-athletes will be honored through their scheduled graduation dates. -Port City Daily-
COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY
William and Mary seeks an Assistant Athletic Director, Business to serve as the lead for all financial and business operations for the department of athletics along with oversight of various support units within the department. Apply here by December 18th.
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
According to Connor Letourneau of The Oregonian, Oregon State athletic department officials have Eastern Washington coach Beau Baldwin on a list of prospective candidates for the Beavers’ head football coaching vacancy, according to a source with knowledge of the hiring process. An EWU athletic department spokesman declined to comment Monday on whether OSU has asked the Eagles for permission to interview Baldwin.
BRADLEY UNIVERSITY
Bradley seeks a Coordinator of Creative Production to supervise the video control room in Bradley University’s Renaissance Coliseum, manage a student staff, and serve as the video and LED boards technical director for all athletic events, while also providing video production support for Bradley Athletics events in off-campus venues. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here.
December 8, 2014
LAMAR UNIVERSITY
Lamar University has agreed to terms on a new three-year contract with head coach Ray Woodard, Director of Athletics Jason Henderson announced. Terms of the contract have not yet been released. Originally hired to resurrect Lamar football, Woodard is entering his sixth season with the Cardinals. He has posted a 26-32 (.448) record during his time in Beaumont, and is coming off his best season with the program. Lamar recorded an 8-4 (.667) overall record in 2014 after closing out the season with a three-point victory over rival McNeese State.
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
ESPN Hawaii Interviews College AD Founder Ryan Conway on University of Hawaii Athletics. We have the breakdown of what we discussed.
IMG COLLEGE
In an effort to motivate its clients to add Wi-Fi to their stadiums and arenas, IMG College has developed a relationship with Extreme Networks, a Silicon Valley-based network provider that works with several NFL teams. Extreme is paying IMG College in the seven figures annually, according to industry estimates, to be the official Wi-Fi provider. The agreement calls for Extreme to buy a sponsorship from IMG College at each school when it closes a deal to install Wi-Fi.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Senior Associate Athletics Director Jane Meyer will be reassigned, according to an email sent Friday evening by Athletic Director Gary Barta to head coaches at Iowa’s athletic department. She could not immediately be reached for comment. Barta’s email does not list Meyer’s new assignment. UI spokesman Joe Brennan said the university is still evaluating what job Meyer will be given, but said her salary — which was $164,000 in the 2013 fiscal year — will not change. -Jason Clayworth , Des Moines Register-
COLLEGE AD’S TOP TEN BOWLS
Yesterday we all learned the final stops for this year’s bowl eligible teams. These games are always so hit or miss, with nearly half being blowouts, and the rest being 11 a.m. kickoffs between teams you’ve never seen before. With that in mind, I’ve taken it upon myself to list out this season’s most interesting games. Ten of the best bowl games to watch this postseason.
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY
Interim Football Coach Bruce Barnum will maintain his role for the 2015 season. Portland State is currently in the search process for a new Athletics Director who, when selected, is not expected to be on board until after the new year. As a result, to maintain the continuity of the football program and allow for active recruiting by the remaining football staff, Barnum was given the 12-month contract. For the past five seasons, Barnum has been the Offensive Coordinator for the program.
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
According to Terry Frei of The Denver Post, there are two searches going on at Colorado State — for an athletic director to replace Jack Graham and a football coach to succeed Jim McElwain — and the school is using the same search firm, DHR International, as a consultant for both. CSU is working with two DHR executive vice presidents: Glenn Sugiyama and Pat Richter. “(CSU president) Tony Frank will be leading the search for our head football coach and I will be intimately involved in that with him,” interim AD John Morris said.
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Gina Mizell of The Oregonian reports that Utah State coach Matt Wells has surfaced as a candidate for the recent head football coach opening at Oregon State after Mike Riley left for Nebraska. Utah State athletic director Scott Barnes told The Oregonian via email that, as of late last night, he has not been contacted by OSU for permission to interview Wells. That contact is viewed as a common courtesy between athletic directors, though is not required to begin the interview process.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
USF Football Coach Willie Taggart today announced three coaching staff changes. Defensive Coordinator Chuck Bresnahan, Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Paul Wulff and Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Backs Coach Ron Cooper will not return for the 2015 season. I would like to thank Chuck, Paul and Ron for everything they have done in helping move the USF football program forward,” Taggart said. “They are first-class people and I wish them the best in their future endeavors.”
LONGWOOD UNIVERSITY
Longwood seeks a Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics to provide a broad range of support to the Director including administering and coordinating the community outreach program, fundraising and development activities, overall management of Athletic Special Events and projects initiated from the Director of Athletics, and execution of the administrative tasks involved in his office. Apply here. The position will be open until it is filled.
KENTUCKY INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The KIAC seeks a Commissioner to serve as the chief administrative officer of the Conference. Apply here by January 1st.
WITTENBERG UNIVERSITY
A fund-raising drive to install new turf at Wittenberg University’s Edwards-Maurer Field is the first part of a larger $15-$20 million renovation plan for the entire athletic complex. Wittenberg announced last week a fund-raising drive called the Turf Enhancement Initiative. The school wants to raise $750,000, some of which has already been raised, by June 1 of next year to replace the turf used by the football, soccer, lacrosse and field hockey teams. -David Jablonski, Springfield News Sun-
MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE
The cost of athletics in the Mid-American Conference — whose 12 full members already are heavily subsidized and dependent upon student fees — is likely to rise once again, though those within the conference believe for a legitimate reason. Most within collegiate athletics expect new legislation regarding the full cost of attendance to pass at the annual NCAA convention in January and be in place by August. -Nicholas Piotrowicz, The Blade-
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Iowa athletic director Gary Barta is reiterating his support for football coach Kirk Ferentz, while acknowledging that the Hawkeyes failed to live up to expectations this season. Barta said Saturday that the team’s 7-5 season “isn’t unacceptable,” adding that success at Iowa is measured by championships. But Barta says Iowa has a strong foundation under Ferentz, now in his 16th season as head coach. Ferentz has five seasons left on the 10-year contract extension he signed on the eve of the 2010 season. -Associated Press-
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
Tennessee football coach Butch Jones confirmed Saturday that he and athletic director Dave Hart are working on a contract extension and he expects it be completed soon. Jones’ initial contract, signed in December of 2012, was for six years and approximately $2.95 million per year. There are reports that Michigan has interest in hiring him. “I’m not gonna get into any speculation or anything like that,” Jones said. “I’m excited with what’s going on here. We’re working to get things done here.” -Dustin Dopirak, Knox News-
GEORGIA TECH
Georgia Tech and head coach Paul Johnson have agreed in principle to a four-year contract extension through the 2020 season, Athletics Director Mike Bobinski announced Saturday morning. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Johnson’s current contract was set to expire following the 2016 season. Johnson is 58-34 in seven seasons as Georgia Tech head coach. Earlier this week, Johnson was named the 2014 ACC Coach of the Year – his third ACC COY honor as Tech head coach.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
Columbia President Lee C. Bollinger announced the resignation of Head Football Coach Pete Mangurian effective immediately. Bollinger said “We are committed to providing our dedicated student athletes with the best possible opportunities to succeed both on and off the field. So we will now look forward to completing consultant Rick Taylor’s expert review of our football operations that will help us chart a new direction under a new coach.”
KANSAS UNIVERSITY
David Beaty, the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Texas A&M, has been hired as the new head football coach. He has more than 20 years of coaching experience, including two previous stints as an assistant coach with the Jayhawks. Kansas will formally introduce Beaty at a press conference this morning. Beaty takes over the KU program after spending the three previous seasons as the Aggies’ wide receivers coach. He also served as A&M’s recruiting coordinator during the 2013-14 seasons.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-WHITEWATER
UW-Whitewater seeks a Head Football Coach/Facilities to be responsible for all phases of the program to include practice and game planning/scheduling, mentoring of coaching staff, recruitment and development of student-athletes, communicating and administering the program to achieve University and Department objectives. The position will be open until it is filled. For more information on applying, contact Kay Bradley, athletics program assistant.
December 7, 2014
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
According to multiple reports, head football coach Tony Levine is out at Houston. College AD spoke with a source tonight confirming the move. Our sources also told us the official announcement will come tomorrow. Stay with College AD, as we are beginning to hear from sources informing us of candidates already on athletic director Mack Rhoades radar.
December 5, 2014
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Athletics Director Pat Haden on rumors regarding a resignation: I hear from friends that there are rumors about me stepping away from this job, but that is not in my plans at this time. I am fully engaged in this job and love working with our great staff, coaches and student-athletes here. We have a lot of work to do in the future. Yes, I am getting older, but my health is fine. I am looking forward to a great 2015 in USC athletics. -The Ripsit Blog-
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
In a letter to University President Lee Bollinger, Board of Trustees Chair Jonathan Schiller, and former Board of Trustees Chair Bill Campbell, 25 players laid out a series of allegations against football head coach Pete Mangurian, from criticism of the way Mangurian handled the relationships between younger players and upperclassmen to claims that he pressured players to play with concussions. The letter has since been withdrawn, and requests for comment by players regarding the circumstances behind the letter were declined. Athletic Director M. Dianne Murphy acknowledged the existence of the letter, but had no further comment. -Eli Schultz, Columbia Spectator-
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SELECTION COMMITTEE
In just a few days time, the College Football Playoff Selection Committee (“CFPSC”) will unveil its selection of the participants in the inaugural College Football Playoff (the “Playoff”). What you need to know.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Maryland seeks a Director of Business Operations to be responsible for assisting the Associate Director of Athletics for Business in the overall financial and business management of the department. Apply here by December 9th.
WIDENER UNIVERSITY
Widener seeks a Sports Information Director to be responsible for duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics in accordance with the Department of Athletics, University, Middle Atlantic Conference, NCAA, and other related association rules and regulations. Apply here. The position will be open until it is filled.
FERRUM COLLEGE
Ferrum College seeks an Assistant Baseball Coach to be responsible for assisting the head coach with all aspects of a nationally competitive baseball program including recruiting, throwing batting practice, team travel, on-field coaching, summer camps, monitoring academics, and other duties assigned by the head coach. Apply here. The position will be open until it is filled.
MARSHALL UNIVERSITY
Marshall Associate Athletics Director for Compliance Andrew Donovan announced Thursday the promotion of William Timpano to the position of Assistant Compliance Director. Timpano, who has served as the department’s Compliance Graduate Assistant for the past 17 months, will assume his new role on December 17, 2014.
ALDERSON BROADDUS UNIVERSITY
ABU seeks a Head Swimming Coach to conduct all aspects of the program within the philosophy and guidelines set forth by Alderson Broaddus University, the NCAA, and the GMAC. The position will be open until it is filled. For more information on applying, contact [email protected].
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
South Alabama seeks an Assistant Football Coach to be responsible for assisting in all phases of a competitive football program in accordance with University of South Alabama, Sun Belt Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations. For more information on applying, contact [email protected]. The position will be open until it is filled.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Athletics Director Jim Hackett dismissed Brady Hoke after four seasons on Tuesday, three days after the Wolverines lost at Ohio State to finish the season 5-7 and ineligible for a bowl game. And now there’s the search, which Hackett described in generalities during Tuesday’s news conference. Hackett, a former Michigan player and CEO of Steelcase, said he has a timeline in mind that he chooses not to share publicly and will utilize a search firm to assist in the process. Hackett said he will reveal the name of the search firm at some point. -Angelique S. Chengelis, The Detroit News-
STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
Stony Brook seeks an Athletic Academic Advisement Assistant to be responsible for providing academic support services as well as student services to Stony Brook student-athletes. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here.
December 4, 2014
UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY
Athletics Director Scott Barnes announced Thursday that men’s tennis head coach Clancy Shields and women’s tennis head coach Sean McInerney have both received contract extensions to remain at USU. Shields and McInerney both signed five-year contract extensions, keeping them at USU through the 2018-19 academic school year. Last year, in their first season as head tennis coaches, Shields compiled a 9-16 overall record for the men’s team and McInerney led the women’s tennis program to a school-record 13 wins.
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
Sources tell College AD, if the University of Hawaii does indeed look to remove Athletic Director, Ben Jay, they would have incentive to do so by December 20th. What you need to know regarding the Parker Executive Search, who conducted the initial search for the university.
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Jim McElwain today stepped down as head football coach at Colorado State University to accept an offer to become the head coach at the University of Florida. Colorado State, as part of the contract with McElwain, received a total buyout of $7 million, including $5 million in cash, the largest such buyout in college football history, eclipsing the $4.3 million the University of Texas paid to the University of Louisville to hire away Coach Charlie Strong earlier this year.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
It’s official! Florida has hired the next head coach to replace Will Muschamp. Want to know who it is?.
TUFTS UNIVERSITY
Effective July 1, 2015, William (Bill) Gehling will step down as director of athletics to take on new responsibilities as senior advisor to University Advancement. Gehling has been part of the Tufts community for more than 40 years — as a student-athlete, coach and administrator. In 1979, he began a 20-year tenure as coach of the new women’s soccer program, guiding the Jumbos to the NCAA national quarterfinals in 1998, his final season. He was appointed athletics director in 1999. A search for the next AD is currently underway. The position is currently open and can be found here.
LEARFIELD SPORTS
Learfield Sports announced today that it has acquired Strategic Marketing Affiliates (SMA), expanding its licensing, merchandising and brand marketing services within its portfolio of college businesses. Indianapolis-based SMA has 20 employees, and Learfield will be combining SMA with its licensing division, Licensing Resource Group (LRG).
CONFERENCE-USA
These 7 Athletic Programs Ready To Become C-USA Members. With the official announcement Tuesday afternoon, rumors became reality. The UAB Blazer Football program will cease to exist after this season. Now that UAB has announced it will officially drop football, Conference USA presumably will be looking to add another school. Who will it be?
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
The university has announced the hiring of Mike Riley as its new head football Coach. Riley had been the head coach at Oregon State University for the past 11 seasons. His overall career record is 93-80. Oregon State finished 5-12 this season. College AD had been hearing rumors about Riley’s job security prior to the end of the 2014 season.
ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY
The Rockford University Athletic Department has announced the hiring of Jim Schroeder as its next head football coach. Schroeder joins Rockford after spending the previous 10 seasons as the defensive coordinator at Benedictine University. He becomes the sixth head coach in the program’s 15-year history. A press conference with Coach Schroeder will be held tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. in the athletic conference room in the lower level of the Burpee Center on the campus of Rockford.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
Maryland seeks an Assistant Media Relations Director to be responsible for serving as the key media relations contact for two or more of the department’s 20 varsity sports. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here.
DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dixie State seeks a Development Officer to collaborate with the Vice President of Development and the Office of Development in the setting of specific dollar and donor goals and meeting these fundraising goals annually. Apply here. Application review begins January 12th.
AUGUSTANA COLLEGE
After a four-year run, Rob Cushman has resigned as the head football coach at Augustana, effective immediately. Cushman, who took over from Jim Barnes on November 24, 2010, was originally hired as the defensive coordinator for the Vikings on February 28, 2008. He compiled an overall record of 17-23 in four years at the Vikings’ helm. The now-open position can be found on our AD Scoop page.
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
In its continued pursuit of excellence, Florida Atlantic University will build a premier facility at the heart of its Boca Raton campus that will allow student-athletes to excel in the classroom and on the field. The facility has received initial funding of $16 million from the Schmidt Family Foundation, the largest single gift in FAU’s history. The Schmidt Family Foundation’s generosity will help create a national model of academic excellence in athletics to attract the nation’s top coaches and student-athletes to FAU.
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT MONROE
ULM’s football coaching staff will remain intact as far as head coach Todd Berry is concerned. Berry has rearranged some offensive roles and he will now take over play calling duties. Offensive coordinator Steve Farmer will keep his title and continue coaching the offensive line, but receivers coach Jason Nichols has been elevated to passing game coordinator. -Tabby Soignier-
UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO
New University at Buffalo head football coach Lance Leipold, who was named to the position Monday, has hired six assistants it was announced today. Brian Borland (defensive coordinator), Andy Kotelnicki (offensive coordinator), Daryl Agpalsa (offensive line) and Alan Hensell will join the UB coaching staff. In addition, Matt Simon (running backs) and Chris Cosh (defensive line) have been retained from the previous staff. -The Buffalo News-
MCPHERSON COLLEGE
McPherson College Director of Athletics Doug Quint announced yesterday that Steve Fox has resigned his position as head coach of the Bulldog football program as of December 5th. Fox leaves McPherson to become the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Cisco College in Texas. Offensive coordinator Justin Van Houten will serve as interim head coach. McPherson College plans to post the opening on the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) websites.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Wolverine247 has confirmed that the Michigan football team will meet with interim athletic director Jim Hackett tomorrow at 3 PM. The details of the meeting are unclear, but it’s believed that the discussion will revolve around the transition currently taking place in the athletic department. The offices of all Michigan assistant coaches have been cleared out, and they have been instructed to no longer recruit players that are and are not committed to the Wolverines at this time.
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
The Commodores will not retain Karl Dorrell, Marc Lubick and Bill Hughan for next season, Vanderbilt Head Coach Derek Mason confirmed. Dorrell served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Commodores during Mason’s initial year on campus. Lubick was the team’s wide receivers coach. Hughan guided the team’s conditioning effort as Director of Sports Performance.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT PEMBROKE
UNCP seeks an Assistant Football Coach for Defensive Backs to work closely with the Head Football Coach to design, organize, implement, facilitate, oversee and evaluate all evaluate team defensive programming. Apply here. The position will be open until it is filled.
December 3, 2014
BIG 12
The newest level of leadership in Division I is set – and three members will be from the Big 12 Conference. Commissioner Bob Bowlsby has been appointed, along with two Faculty Athletics Representatives – Tim Day of Iowa State University and Brian Shannon from Texas Tech University. The Council is charged with conducting the day-to-day business of Division I. At its first meeting in January 2015, the Council will elect an athletics director to chair the group. That person will also serve on the board.
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
New head football coach Chad Morris hired Clemson graduate assistants Joe Craddock and Dustin Fry as his offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, respectively. Craddock is a former Middle Tennessee State quarterback who initially joined the Clemson staff in 2012 as a player development coach. Fry is a former NFL center who played at Clemson. He joined Clemson’s staff as a graduate assistant in 2012. He and Craddock join new wide receivers coach Justin Stepp, who previously held the same position at Appalachian State the last three years. -Thayer Evans, Sports Illustrated-
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
Sources tell College AD that letter of allegations from the NCAA is imminent for the Hawaii athletics program. Within the next couple weeks, we can expect to see such a letter to surface. “Something is cooking and it might not be coach Chow’s job.” With Athletics Director Ben Jay?
LEARFIELD SPORTS
In a marked growth step for mobile sports apps leader YinzCam, Learfield Sports and SIDEARM Sports today announced a sophisticated partnership with YinzCam, Inc., allowing the company immediate engagement with more than 850 collegiate properties nationwide. The collaboration designates YinzCam as the “Preferred College Sports Mobile Application Provider” for the total properties represented by Learfield Sports and SIDEARM Sports
CLAYTON STATE UNIVERSITY
CSU and Athletics Director Tim Duncan have officially announced the hiring of Joshua J. Darling as Sports Information Director. A nine year veteran of the sports information field, Darling brings four years of Division I experience and four plus years at the Division II level, the latter all within the Southeast Region. Most recently Darling was the Sports Information Director at Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. from July 2010 to September 2014.
UNIVERSITY OF TULSA
According to Kelly Hines of Tulsa World, the University of Tulsa will use the same search firm that helped with the hiring of basketball coach Frank Haith in April, Chicago-based DHR International. The ideal candidate will have “a lot of experience on the college level” as a coordinator or head coach, athletics director Derrick Gragg said. Gragg said the university has received heavy interest regarding the opening and an interview with a potential hire already has been scheduled.
SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY
Sacred Heart seeks a Director of Compliance to assist in all aspects of compliance work concerning the interpretation and enforcement of NCAA rules and regulations as it relates to 32 varsity sports. Apply here. The position will be open until it is filled.
AUGUSTANA COLLEGE
Augustana College seeks a Head Football Coach to responsible for all phases of the program, and other duties as assigned by the Director of Athletics. Apply by December 20th. For more information on applying, contact Athletics Director Michael Zapolski.
BIG 12 CONFERENCE
The Big 12 Conference on Monday announced its universities will cover athletes’ full cost of attendance, a measure that figures to increase Texas Tech’s annual athletic budget by more than $1 million. The cost-of-attendance measure is one of three new bylaws the Big 12 said were unanimously adopted. Starting Aug. 1, 2015, Big 12 schools will be required to provide: scholarships based on the maximum amount allowed by NCAA bylaws; multi-year scholarships that cover an athlete’s full period of eligibility; and athletic aid to former players returning to campus to complete their degrees. -Don Williams, AJ Media-
UC DAVIS
UC Davis seeks an Aggie Stadium/Events Coordinator to independently oversee procedures to open, operate and close the Aggie Stadium on a daily basis. Apply here by December 16th.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY
The Defense Department’s Inspector General is probing how the Air Force Academy handled an investigation into misconduct by members of the football team, the Pentagon has confirmed. A memo released Tuesday says investigators will determine whether “criminal investigations, to include sexual assault, involving USAFA football players met investigative standards.” The IG’s office also will determine whether there were any barriers into the academy’s investigations into allegations about player conduct. -Tom Roeder-
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
Texas State seeks an Assistant Director of Development to be responsible for managing and serving as primary contact for the Young Alumni Program, annual Thank-a-thon, hotel Gift in Kind partners, stewardship of annual fund gifts under $500, and management of select Bobcat Club events. Apply here by December 16th.
December 2, 2014
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS
In a press release today from the university, the University of New Orleans has hired Brandon Scardigli as its new media relations director. Most recently, Scardigli was the assistant director for athletic communications at Kennesaw State University, a position he held since 2012. His interview and first words in his new position.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
According to Dan Wolken of USA TODAY Sports, Georgia Southern’s appeal to the NCAA to play in a bowl game this year was denied today, according to person with direct knowledge of the matter. Georgia Southern won the Sun Belt with a 9-3 overall record (8-0 in the league) but was ineligible for the postseason due to its status as a first-year member of the Football Bowl Subdivision. That rule has been in place since 2002. Georgia Southern’s initial request for a waiver was denied last week. It was appealing on the grounds that its unique situation as a conference champion should merit special consideration for relief from the rule.
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
UAB Athletic Director Brian Mackin will step down from his post after 12 years to take a newly-created administrative position designed to aid student athletes affected by the discontinuation of programs. According to a release issued by the university today, Mackin will no long serve as athletic director and will be replace by Senior Associate Athletic Director Shannon Ealy on an interim basis. We will update you as we hear more.
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT PRESQUE ISLE
Sara Martin has been named the new head softball coach at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Martin replaces Peter Coffin, who resigned in August after leading the program for three years. The hiring marks a return to the Presque Isle campus for Martin, who previously served as the Owls’ assistant softball and basketball coach in 2010. Martin also most recently served as parks and recreation director in Limestone from 2010 to 2014.
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
Brady Hoke out as Michigan head football coach. Our sources in the athletic department officially confirmed to College AD. What you need to know.
OLE MISS
Ole Miss and head football coach Hugh Freeze reached an agreement on a contract extension to stay at the school, athletic director Ross Bjork announced Tuesday. The length of the new deal and financial details were not announced. Freeze’s new deal will pay him at least $4 million per year and that his assistants will receive salary boosts that could exceed a combined $500,000 per year. Freeze had been mentioned as a candidate for the vacant head coaching job at Florida. -SI Wire-
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
Samford Head Football Coach Pat Sullivan has decided to step down from his position and move into another role within the University immediately, the school announced Tuesday. Sullivan, the 1971 Heisman Trophy winner as a player at Auburn, recently completed his eighth season as Samford’s head football coach. He is the program’s all-time leader in career wins. He has led the team to four-straight winning seasons for the first time since 1999, and the Bulldogs have won at least seven games for three-straight seasons for the first time since 1962.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT SPRINGFIELD
UIS seeks a Head Women’s Volleyball Coach to be responsible for the development of a competitive intercollegiate women’s volleyball program within a manner consistent with the philosophy, objectives and guidelines of NCAA Division II, the Great Lakes Valley Conference and UIS. Apply here by December 14th.
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
According to Rivals.com’s Adam Grosbard, SMU has hired Oklahoma State University cornerbacks coach Van Malone as their new defensive coordinator. He will stay at Oklahoma State until the postseason. According to Kyle Frederickson of NewsOK, Malone is in his third-year and has ties to new SMU head coach Chad Morris. Malone and Morris were together on Tulsa’s coaching staff in 2010.
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
SDSU seeks an Associate Athletic Director of Compliance to provide leadership in the university’s efforts to maintain institutional control by developing systems that protect and assist coaches, student-athletes, the Athletic Department, and the university in following the rules. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here. (# 5594)
UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO
Montevallo seeks a Head Women’s Soccer Coach to provide coaching expertise, leadership, management and administration of all aspects of a competitive NCAA Division II program resulting in a positive and beneficial intercollegiate experience for student-athletes. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here. (# 0400623)
ATLANTIC COAST CONFERENCE
The ACC announced on Monday that it had made three proposals to the NCAA to enhance student-athlete welfare as part of the new autonomy process. The ACC said it hoped to have its three proposals enacted by Aug. 1, 2015. The proposals were approved by the league’s Council of Presidents. The conference wants to allow schools to provide athletes with stipends, to allow athletes to borrow money to obtain injury insurance and to prohibit schools from pulling scholarships from athletes due to injury or poor performance. -Chris Carlson, Syracuse-
FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
FAU officials will announce this afternoon the school is building a new athletic facility to primarily be used by the football program. The facility is being funded by a donation that is expected to be the largest single gift in the school’s history. FAU also plans to build an academic center within the facility. The building is expected to be on campus and it could be near FAU Stadium. Officials have not said when the building will open or when construction will begin. -Nate Taylor, Sun Sentinel-
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
According to Ralph D. Russo of the Associated Press, there have been some names who are possible candidates for the Nebraska head football coaching job. They are as follows: Craig Bohl – Wyoming Head Football Coach, Troy Calhoun – Air Force Head Football Coach, Scott Frost – Oregon offensive coordinator, Jerry Kill, Minnesota Head Football Coach, and Pat Narduzzi – Michigan State defensive coordinator. Whoever takes over will replace Bo Pelini, who was recently dismissed.
BETHANY COLLEGE
Bethany College seeks a Head Athletic Trainer to be responsible for preventing, evaluating, treating and rehabilitating athletic related injuries for 22 men’s and women’s sport programs. The position will be open until it is filled. For more information on applying for the position, contact [email protected].
December 1, 2014
COLLEGE AD’S TOP TEN STORYLINES
Here is our Top 10 list of storylines for this year’s football coaching carousel. The topics range from Florida’s coaching hire plans to Buffalo’s hiring of a new head football coach.
UNIVERSITY OF TULSA
The University of Tulsa and Derrick Gragg, vice president and director of athletics, announced Monday that Bill Blankenship has concluded his tenure as head coach of the Golden Hurricane football program. “We are grateful for the service and commitment of Coach Blankenship to our university, our student-athletes and our community, but we have decided that the program needs to go in a different direction,” Gragg said. A committee will be formed immediately to begin the search for a new head coach.
LEARFIELD SPORTS
Sources tell us that announcements will be made next week from Learfield Sports, including the latest promotions for these four individuals. Here’s the full scoop.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
ESPN reports: A day after allowing 55 points to Alabama in the Iron Bowl, Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has been dismissed. Johnson joined Gus Malzahn’s staff at Auburn in December 2012 and helped lead the Tigers to a spot in last year’s BCS national championship game. However, his defense has regressed this season, and Saturday’s loss to Alabama was the final straw. There has been no news on a possible replacement, there is mutual interest between Malzahn and recently dismissed Florida head coach Will Muschamp.
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE
Louisville matches a $3 million gift that Thorntons Inc. made earlier this semester. Great progress occurring in UL athletic department. Here’s what you need to know.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
Tim Beckman will return as head football coach for the 2015 season, Athletics Director Mike Thomas announced yesterday. “It was important to see improvement in our football program this season,” Thomas said. “Our student-athletes have played their best football of the season down the stretch of a tough schedule that included nine bowl-eligible opponents. It’s my expectation that with the upcoming bowl and another off-season of development, that Tim’s continued leadership will keep Fighting Illini Football moving forward and even more competitive in the conference and nationally.”
FRANKLIN PIERCE UNIVERSITY
According to the Associated Press, Former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card has been named Franklin Pierce University’s fifth president. Card, a former Franklin Pierce trustee, starts Jan. 12. He succeeds James Birge, who became president in 2009 and announced his intent to resign last summer. Card was most recently acting dean of the George H.W. Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. He grew up in Holbrook, Massachusetts, and served on Franklin Pierce’s board of trustees from 1996 to 2000.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE
UCR seeks an Athletics Academic Counselor to be responsible for conducting an academic support program for student-athletes in designated sports while promoting an environment of academic excellence and fostering student success and retention. Apply here by December 10th.
UAB
Sources give College AD the latest information on the UAB situation. Here’s what we’ve got so far.
MORNINGSIDE COLLEGE
Morning side seeks a Head Women’s Volleyball Coach to be responsible for directing and managing all aspects of the intercollegiate women’s volleyball program. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here.
PIERCE COLLEGE
For the second year in a row, the Athletic Department hosted a food drive to support the charity M.E.N.D., Meet Each Need with Dignity. Athletic Director Bob Lofrano came up with the idea to place the donated items on the bleachers after seeing something similar on the Northridge website where they placed the items on the steps leading up to their library. The food drive was held a week before Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 20 in the South Gym at Pierce College. -Megan Moureaux, The Roundup News-
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
UH Athletics is worried about coming up with more money to pay athletes’ stipends when it’s already strapped for cash. The NCAA is allowing universities to pay stipends to athletes in the next year or so. Those new expenses could cost UH anywhere from $803,441 to $964,050 a year, AD Ben Jay said. The department is already $3.5 million in the red, so the financially struggling university will be scrambling to keep up with the schools that can afford to pay even higher stipends. -AP-
DUKE UNIVERSITY
Saturday night marked the end of an era for Duke University, as construction for the current Wallace Wade Stadium gets underway on an extensive renovation project. The stadium has been home to Duke football since 1929. The $100 million renovation project will remove the track, the playing field will be lowered and the stands will be extended closer to the field. Duke said construction is expected to be completed by the start of the 2016 football season. -Emma Wright, WNCN News-
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Wide receiver Samajie Grant was cited on suspicion of driving under the influence early Saturday morning, hours after helping the UA to a 42-35 win over Arizona State. Grant will not start in Friday’s Pac-12 Championship game against Oregon, coach Rich Rodriguez said in a statement this evening. UA athletic director Greg Byrne said the athletic department was made aware of the incident Saturday. “We’re extremely disappointed in Samajie and he will be undergoing counseling and taking part in community service as a result of his actions.” -Arizona Daily Star-
UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO
Wisconsin-Whitewater coach Lance Leipold has agreed to become the new head coach at Buffalo according to a person with knowledge of the coaching search. Leipold, 50, has won five NCAA Division III national championships in his eight seasons at Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he has a career record of 106-6. Division III does not award athletic scholarships. Leipold last month became the fastest coach in NCAA history across all divisions to reach 100 wins. – Thayer Evans and Pete Thamel, Sports Illustrated-
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables was asked about the report linking him to the defensive coordinator vacancy at Texas A&M. “I have a great job here. Are you kidding me? No, I love where we’re at, and I’ve only been a couple of places,” Venables said. “I am a loyal guy, and if you want to talk about somebody that is the epitome of All In, I have always been that way. I am not wired like that. Wherever that came from, that is news to me. I am just getting ready to take my wife out to dinner tonight – I am way overdue.” -David Hood, TigerNet-
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY
The college football carousel continues to spin and it appears the SMU Mustangs have tabbed Clemson offensive coordinator Chad Morris to be their new head coach. Morris has had varying degrees of success in his current job. He is the highest paid assistant coach in NCAA Football with an annual salary of $1,309,650 . Highly successful as a head coach in the Texas prep ranks, Morris lead Lake Travis H.S. to back-to-back undefeated state championships. -Rene Nadeau, Sports Nola-
FRESNO STATE
Jim Bartko placed a telephone call earlier this week with former Bulldogs football coach Pat Hill. “He needs to be engaged, and I think he just needs to be part of the program somehow,” Bartko said. “He’s not looking to get another job; he just wants to be part of what we’re doing.” Hill this fall has attended a handful of Bulldogs football practices and has told friends he’d like to be involved with Fresno State again after serving as coach from 1997-2013. -Bryant-Jon Anteola, The Fresno Bee-
UNLV
Athletic director Tina Kunzer-Murphy has announced that the school will not use a search committee to find its next football coach, and names have surfaced as possibilities in Utah defensive coordinator Kalina Sitake, USC assistant coach Tee Mart and even Bishop Gorman high school head coach Tony Sanchez. Other candidates include: Randy Shannon – Arkansas linebackers/senior associate head coach, June Jones – former SMU and Hawaii Head coach, Jim Fassel – former Utah and New York Giants head coach, and Chris Ault – former Nevada coach. -Jeremy Mauss, Mountain West Connection-
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO
The University of Nevada, Reno seeks a Head Volleyball Coach to be responsible for developing, teaching, and promoting all aspects of a competitive Division I Volleyball program. The position will be open until it is filled. Apply here.