Utah State officially terminated football coach Blake Anderson on Thursday, following the school’s prior notice of intent to terminate his contract. In a statement, Utah State cited significant violations of Anderson’s contractual obligations related to the school’s employee reporting requirements. These violations included investigating issues of sexual misconduct and domestic violence, which were to be handled exclusively by the USU Office of Equity. Anderson’s failure to uphold USU’s academic values in managing the team also contributed to his dismissal. Anderson responded to the allegations within the allotted 14-day period with a 70-page response submitted by him and his attorney Tom Mars. Mars stated that they plan to pursue legal action against the school for violating Anderson’s employment agreement and the implied covenant of good faith.
The school initially announced the dismissal of Jerry Bovee, a deputy athletic director, and Austin Albrecht, director of player development and community, as part of the same investigation. The investigation was reportedly triggered by a domestic violence incident in April 2023. Defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling has been appointed as the interim coach for the Aggies. Anderson, with a record of 23-17, was going into his fourth season at Utah State. He previously coached at Arkansas State, amassing an overall record of 74-54. Utah State’s season opener against Robert Morris is scheduled for August 31.
–Field Level Media
