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Edition #1334

December 10, 2025

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D3 Jobs on CollegeSports.jobs... New opportunities at Fort Hays State (DII x2) and Hanover, below. Post your department-wide openings with CollegeSports.jobs, where thousands of administrators start their days and where tens of thousands of coaches get news and updates about their respective sports. Want unlimited job postings for a year? Learn more about all job posting options HERE or contact jobs@wearecollegetown.com

Kenyon names Lawrence AD Jason Imperati as its next AD, starting June 1. VP of Student Affairs Celestino Limas: “Jason stood out because of his relationship-based approach to having student-athletes and coaches commit to giving their all for one another. His authenticity and commitment to excellence in competition, academics, and campus collaboration set him apart. Our future is bright with Jason leading our athletics programs and we are thrilled he will be joining us this summer.” Parker Executive Search assisted with the process. (link)

Chapman Interim AD Mike O’Brien will step down next week due to a family matter and be succeeded on an interim basis by Assoc. AD for Compliance Doug Aiken. (link)

Hardin-Simmons AD John Neese joins the Hooyah Podcast to discuss the last few years in the ASC. Acknowledging the discussions about an alliance with the Coast-to-Coast, Neese: “Undoubtedly, the last year and a half was probably the most challenging and trying to look at doing different things. … I was glad that we got to the point where we were able to make the announcement earlier in the year that McMurry and Schreiner were returning. I think from a geographic footprint, again, it makes a lot of sense for them to be with us. I think it could potentially open the door for some other schools in Texas to reconsider their conference affiliation. I think what we've got going now is a really good product. Our new commissioner, Leslie Schuemann, I think she understands that one of the things that the presidents wanted her to do, and is expected of her, is to help us build this conference again. … I'm just appreciative of the fact that our administration was prepared to do whatever we needed to do to stay Division III, and if that meant that we were doing things like we are this year, which is really tough on our coaches and athletes and families and athletic trainers and sports information and everybody else. We've got teams where we had to do that to fill a solid Division III schedule. Next year will be a little bit easier, and it's my hope that in the years to follow, we won't have to schedule as many non-conference games where we're having to send teams all over the country. I think that our league has a good reputation as of schools that follow the DIII principles and models, and you look at the facilities at each of the schools, and it's evident that athletics plays a strong role in the enrollment and the success of those campuses.” More. (link)

NCAA President Charlie Baker sat down at the SBJ Intercollegiate Athletics Forum and with Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Fischer. Here are the most notable comments from Baker…

➤ Baker says the post-House world is “messy doesn’t mean it’s not directionally correct,” adding: “I will die on the side of we probably saved college sports billions of dollars that we collectively would’ve otherwise owed if we hadn’t got the settlement and gotten it done.” Asked if the NCAA would’ve gone bankrupt, Baker replies: “Oh yeah, not just us. Lots of other people, too. This would’ve had real consequences for the rest of college sports that we don’t talk anywhere near as much about.”

➤ Baker notes he’s prepared to use every tool at his disposal to defend the NCAA regardless of what happens in Washington, D.C., in the coming months: “We don’t have a choice. That’s why we’re up to our eyeballs in court cases. We’re going to fight them all.” Asked whether the NCAA missed a window to get the SCORE Act through the House, Baker replies: “I don’t know. We’ll see.” (link)

➤ Baker explains why the NCAA continues to litigate rather than retreat or rewrite policies: “It’s critical for us to play those out as long as we have to. What’s at stake here is a ton of opportunities for the next generation of young people—and they’re not sitting in the courtroom, they don’t have a name, but they are the ones who are going to lose if we’re not successful in this stuff.”

➤ As it relates to eligibility waivers, appeals and lawsuits, Baker argues that a small number of lawsuits has created a disproportionate amount of blowback: “I think there were 1,500, plus or minus, Division I waivers last year. Two-thirds of them got approved, which leaves you with about 450 or somewhere in that general vicinity that didn’t get approved. I think 40 have ended up in court—so 90% of the people who didn’t get what they wanted out of a waiver did not go to court. But 10% did and that’s where all the emotion and challenge comes from. And remember, of that 10% we win 60 to 70% of those cases. Now you’re down to a really small number that’s creating most of the angst and most of the confusion.”

➤ Baker adds: “The one thing I hear a lot from the membership is that clarity would be nice, especially on things like eligibility. We win way more of those cases than we lose thankfully. But the fact that we don’t win them all means you have coaches and ADs who call me and say what judge you end up in front of has a lot to do with whether or not your player gets approved for another year. There’s a lot of unhappiness about that and I get it. That particular issue more than almost any other really got the attention of a lot of people in Washington to say, ‘O.K., now I understand why you act, why you believe you have a problem here that could use our help.’” (link)

We offer our deepest condolences to the Muskingum community following the passing of football student-athlete Jeremy Michael. (link)

We also offer our deepest condolences to the North Central (IA) community following the passing of former football HC Jeff Thorne. (link)

Quick Hits…
➤ Ohio Wesleyan unveils its renovated Gordon Field House thanks to funding from the Ferguson family that included resurfacing its track and tennis courts, installing new lighting and adding windows for more natural light. (link)
➤ The CNE teams up with Nexus Licensing Group to “expand its brand reach and revenue streams through traditional retail and ecommerce channels.” (link)
➤ The Landmark will add Kean and Ramapo as men’s volleyball associate members next season. (link)

Coaches.wire…
➤ Alvernia names Lebanon Valley AC Luke Franklin as its new men’s lacrosse HC. (link)
➤ Concordia (TX) hires Sul Ross State (DII) Women’s Volleyball HC Annika Canaba for the same role with the Tornados. (link)
➤ Don’t miss this morning’s Coaches.wire, which details all coaching transactions across the industry over the last 48 hours. (link)

NFL owners authorized the spending of as much as $32M and the signing of an operating partner to launch a professional flag football league, per SBJ’s Ben Fischer, who notes investment will come via the NFL’s “32 Equity” investment platform. During a presentation before today’s owners vote, league staff didn’t identify the NFL’s intended partner in the project and negotiations continue to secure the best available deal. The NFL didn’t disclose when the pro league would launch or offer any other specific details, but back in October, Commissioner Roger Goodell suggested the goal was to get the product in the market before the 2028 L.A. Games, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport. (link)

Guilford’s SACSCOC probation has been lifted. President Jean Parvin Bordewich: “We took difficult yet necessary steps to cut expenses, increase revenue, improve internal controls and enforce policies. Now we are on sound financial footing and well positioned to fulfill our mission. This has never been about the student experience in or out of the classroom, which has remained exceptional. This has been about finances, and SACSCOC has now affirmed that we have the financial resources to support Guilford's unique approach to a liberal arts education.” (link)

Interested in advertising a department opening in D3.ticker? Click here to submit your position. Post your department-wide openings with CollegeSports.jobs, where thousands of administrators coaches get news and updates about the world of college sports.

(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) Intern / Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach (Hanover College / Hanover, IN): Seeking dynamic person to assist with management of WLAX program, including game prep/film evaluation, practices/skill development, team supervision/ops, recruiting/scouting, fundraising, & coaching. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Associate AD for Budget and Planning/Chief Operating Officer (Fort Hays State University / Hays, KS): Provide visionary leadership to all areas of departmental internal operations. Liaison with areas across campus. Articulate and execute the department's strategic plan in a fiscally sound manner. (DII) More details HERE.

(NEW!) Associate/Assistant Director of Athletics - Revenue Innovation & Advancement (Fort Hays State University / Hays, KS): Provide strategic leadership in all areas of revenue generation. Solicit support from various areas (sponsors, donors, alumni, etc.). Oversee staff planning and execution of major fundraising events. (DII) More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (Juniata College / Huntingdon, PA): Lead a dynamic NCAA Division III athletics program, driving student success, competitive excellence, and strategic growth across 24 varsity sports. More details HERE.

Head Volleyball Coach (Fort Hays State University / Hays, KS): Organize, develop, recruit and administer all functions of a D-II Women’s Volleyball program funded for national success. Other VB staff positions are FT Assistant and Grad Assistant. (DII) More details HERE.

Women's Flag Football Head Coach (University of Illinois Springfield / Springfield, IL): Great opportunity to build a new women's flag football program, planning to compete in the spring 2027 season! Join our team of high achievers and build something special! (DII) More details HERE.

Athletic Trainer (Western Connecticut State University / Danbury, CT): Western Connecticut State University is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the position of Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (The Catholic University of America / Washington, DC): Manage all aspects of CUA’s football program, including coaching, staff supervision, recruiting, retention of student athletes, fiscal management, fundraising and facility assistance. More details HERE.

Commissioner (Horizon League / Indianapolis, IN): Reporting to the Board of Presidents, the Commissioner works closely with the Chancellors/Presidents and Athletic Directors of the member institutions to advance the mission and vision of the League. (DI) More details HERE.

Assistant Coach Of Nordic Skiing (Williams College / Williamstown, MA): The Williams College Nordic Ski Team is searching for an energetic and organized Assistant Coach to join our successful NCAA program! More details HERE.

Head Women's Volleyball Coach (Luther College / Decorah, IA): Luther College seeks a dynamic Head Women’s Volleyball Coach to lead the program, develop student-athletes, recruit talent, and foster a competitive, positive team culture. More details HERE.

Women's Field Hockey, Head Coach (Transylvania University / Lexington, KY): Seeking knowledgeable individual to lead overall vision, direction, and day-to-day operation of the program including student-athlete well-being, academic achievement, and competitive success. More details HERE.

Head Field Hockey Coach (Kenyon College / Gambier, OH): A full time, 10-month reporting position with benefits. Will be in charge of the NCAA DIII Field Hockey program in accordance and compliance with NCAA, NCAC, & Kenyon College policies & regulations. More details HERE.

Head Coach - Football (Hamline University / St. Paul, MN): The primary purpose of this position is to provide leadership and administrative direction for day to day program operations which primarily involves coaching, program planning, and recruiting. More details HERE.

Assistant/Associate Director, Athletics Leadership Giving (Trinity College – Connecticut / Hartford, CT): The Assistant/Associate Director oversees a giving program dedicated to meeting annual athletics fundraising goals and expanding the number of leadership-level donors. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director (SUNY College of Agriculture & Technology at Cobleskill / Cobleskill, NY): The Assistant Athletic Director reports to the Athletic Director and plays a key leadership role in the administration of the Fighting Tigers' NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics program. More details HERE.

Head Women's Volleyball Coach (Ripon College / Ripon, WI): Join the Redhawks family, bringing a high level of enthusiasm and strategy to our Women's Volleyball Team as we grow and thrive in the MWC. More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Northern Michigan University / Marquette, MI): NMU invites applications for the position of Head Football Coach, a 12-month, full-time position responsible for providing leadership, vision, and direction for all aspects of the program. (DII) More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Gettysburg College / Gettysburg, PA): The College is seeking a dynamic and innovative individual who has a strong administrative, collaborative and student-focused background to serve as head football coach. More details HERE.

Assistant Men’s & Women’s Track & Field Coach (Shot Put, Discus) (Centre College / Danville, KY): Provide assistance in the leadership of appropriate coaching, recruiting, and administrative duties for a nationally competitive Division III track and field program. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Director of Development, Athletics (University of Chicago / Chicago, IL): Leads the athletics fundraising team, setting and implementing fundraising goals, strategies, and priorities in collaboration with colleagues in Athletics, ARD, and the College. More details HERE

Head Coach, Football (Geneva College / Beaver Falls, PA): Provides overall direction of the Football program which competes in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) and NCAA Division III. More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Oversee all aspects of team development, recruitment, and game strategy while shaping young student-athletes into leaders. More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Missouri Baptist University / St Louis, MO): Missouri Baptist University is seeking a Head Football Coach who has a vibrant Christian Faith and will be responsible for leading, developing, and managing all aspects of the Football program. (NAIA) More details HERE.

Head Women's Field Hockey Coach (Juniata College / Huntingdon, PA): Lead and grow a competitive NCAA Division III women’s field hockey program through recruiting, athlete development, practice and game preparation, budget management, and staff oversight. More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Bethany College – West Virginia / Bethany, WV): Lead a program during a period of exciting departmental growth and renewed investment in student success. Strong admin support, expanding resources, & campus commitment to competitive excellence. More details HERE.

Women's Lacrosse Graduate Assistant or Part-time Assistant (Virginia Wesleyan University / Virginia Beach, VA): Virginia Wesleyan University is accepting applications for a Women's Lacrosse graduate assistant or part-time assistant coach. More details HERE.

Associate Director of Athletics - Development and Engagement (Rockhurst University / Kansas City, MO): The core functions of the job are to work with prospects and donors including research, identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. (DII) More details HERE.

Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach (Juniata College / Huntingdon, PA): Assist the Head Coach with all aspects of an NCAA DIII women’s lacrosse program, including recruiting, player development, and game management in a full-time, 12-month intern role. More details HERE.

Athletic Trainer (Juniata College / Huntingdon, PA): Provide care, treatment, and rehabilitation for NCAA DIII student-athletes in a collaborative 12-month Athletic Trainer role supporting wellness, safety, and performance. More details HERE.

Hunt Seat Coach (Albion College / Albion, MI): Albion College invites applications for the Hunt Seat Instructor/Varsity Coach. More details HERE.

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