Blake Anderson’s possible departure from Utah State due to Title IX investigation

Utah State head coach Blake Anderson has been notified by university administration of the intent to terminate his contract for cause, the university announced Tuesday. Anderson has 14 days to officially respond to the contract lawsuit.

According to the press release, Anderson violated his employment contract and university policies related to Title IX in the spring of 2023. Utah State’s decision to terminate Anderson’s employment came after “a thorough external review of alleged noncompliance with university policies implementing Title IX, which require full and timely reporting of disclosures of sexual misconduct – including domestic violence – and prohibit employees from investigating disclosures of sexual misconduct on their own.”

As a result of the investigation, Utah State also fired assistant athletic director Jerry Bovee and director of player development and community Austin Albrecht.

In a joint email to Utah State teachers and staff on Tuesday, school president Betsy Cantwell and athletic director Diana Sabau explained the reasons for their decision.

“As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that allegations of violations of USU policies are investigated,” the email said. “Today’s actions are the result of a thorough external investigation, and we believe the evidence requires immediate action. Our job is to fearlessly hold ourselves and others accountable for their conduct and ensure that we live our university’s values ​​in the interest of our students and our community. While we recognize the impact these decisions have on our student-athletes and our football program, we will continue to take the necessary steps to create a respectful, transparent and successful culture at Utah State University.”

News of Anderson’s impending termination came shortly after the 55-year-old was placed on leave, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Thamel was the first to report that Anderson was not expected to return as the program’s coach and that defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling was named interim coach.

Anderson posted a 23-17 record at Utah State, including a 2021 season in which the program went 11-3 and won the Mountain West title.