In a departure from the norm for Boise State, the firing of its football coach, Andy Avalos, marks an unprecedented move since the Broncos ascended to the FBS level of college football in 1996. Boise State’s athletic director, Jeremiah Dickey, initiated this change, a decision that stands out given the historical context of coaching transitions at the university.
About Boise State’s football program
Traditionally, coaching changes at Boise State involved coaches leaving for new opportunities. From Houston Nutt succeeding Pokey Allen to Dirk Koetter’s stint before moving on to Arizona State, and Dan Hawkins departing for Colorado, the Broncos witnessed a series of coaching shifts. Chris Petersen took the reins after Hawkins, amassing 92 wins in eight seasons before departing for Washington. Even Avalos himself was a replacement for Bryan Harsin, who left for Auburn after seven seasons at the helm.
Dickey’s recent decision to relieve Avalos of his duties introduces uncharted territory for Boise State, as the head coach was ousted mid-season, a deviation from past practices. Dickey, addressing the move, stated, “I would not have made the decision if I didn’t feel comfortable doing it in season and moving forward.”
Boise State’s football program, once a powerhouse regularly featured among the top programs in the country under Petersen, has seen a decline in recent years. Avalos, with a record of 22-14, faced challenges, with the team holding a 5-5 record this season. Harsin, the predecessor, achieved five 10-win seasons but participated in a New Year’s Six bowl game only once, in 2014.
Dickey, who had hired Avalos in 2020, emphasized the uniqueness of the current situation. Despite still being a first-time athletic director, he asserted, “I’m not a new AD anymore.”
The next pivotal decision for Dickey is whether to explore coaching options beyond the Boise State family tree. In recent hires, the university preferred candidates with ties to the Broncos, whether as former players or coaches. Dickey is contemplating whether to continue this trend or look beyond, considering factors such as experience, recruiting capabilities, and connections.
As the Broncos navigate this uncharted coaching transition, the future of Boise State football remains uncertain.
