Utah State set to terminate Blake Anderson’s role as head football coach

Utah State University intends to terminate Blake Anderson’s current employment as head football coach A press release revealed this dismissal follows actions in spring 2023 that violated USU policy and his employment agreement. Anderson has 14 days to respond, during which time the university cannot release more information.  

“This decision comes after a thorough external review of alleged noncompliance with university policies that implement 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 themselves,” the press release said.  

Anderson was about to embark on his fourth season as head coach. He holds an overall record of 74-54 (.578). 

USU also dismissed Jerry Bovee, associate vice president and deputy athletic director of external affairs, and Austin Albrecht, Utah State football director of player development and community, for similar reasons.  

Defensive coordinator and defensive ends coach Nate Dreiling will serve as USU’s interim head football coach for the 2024 season, as announced by Diana Sabau, vice president and director of athletics.  

“As leaders, we are responsible for ensuring allegations of USU policy violations are investigated,” USU President Elizabeth Cantwell and Sabau wrote in a joint email to faculty and staff this morning. “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.”  

We will continue to report as more information is released.