After a long, nation wide search, the Syracuse University athletics department has a new captain for its ship: Mark Coyle. Multiple reports, from Jay Bilas to Syracuse.com to the Daily Orange, are saying that the now former Boise State University AD will take the same job for the Orange.
“Mark has an outstanding record as a director of athletics and is known throughout the country for his professional accomplishments,” said Syracuse Chancellor Kent Syverud. “His strong academic values and commitment to the welfare of student-athletes, combined with his record of achievement in fundraising, make him the right person to lead Syracuse University Athletics forward at this important time for the University.”
Coyle has served as the Boise State AD since 2011, and before that he was the Deputy Director of Athletics for the University of Kentucky. He’s got a proven track record in terms of athletic and academic success, with 72% of his Boise State athletes earning a GPA of 3.0 or better, and four of the Bronco athletic programs were in the top 10 percent in APR.
Coyle is a 1991 graduate of Drake University, with a master’s degree from Florida State University in 1993. While he was a student at Drake, Coyle lettered in football, so between his own playing career and overseeing Boise State at its apex as a perennial top 25 school, he’s clearly got a good understanding of the most profitable sport in college athletics. He’s also a proven fundraiser, having brought in more than $40 million in his three and a half years at Boise.
“I am truly impressed with Syracuse University’s athletics program and I am honored to have been selected athletic director,” Coyle says. “Throughout my career I have been committed to developing student-athletes and athletics staff to be leaders both inside the classroom and on the court and playing fields. I recognize that Syracuse University student-athletes, coaches, athletic staff and fans are among the best in the country. I am eager to work beside them and look forward to becoming a part of Orange Nation.”
Coyle will be wading into an interesting situation at Syracuse, to say the least, with NCAA sanctions in the process of being appealed, as well as a football program looking to turn things around. One thing is for sure though, and that’s the fact that, on paper at least, this looks like a home run hire.
Per sources, I'm hearing that Boise State AD Mark Coyle will be named the new AD at Syracuse.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) June 20, 2015
Can confirm multiple reports that Syracuse will name current Boise State AD Mark Coyle to same position
— CuseNation.com (@SyracuseOnScout) June 20, 2015
Syracuse will name Boise State athletic director Mark Coyle as new AD | http://t.co/unQlaGwomt
— Syracuse Basketball (@syrbasketball) June 20, 2015
