D2.ticker - Eliminate the barrage of articles & time-consuming searches. Efficient D2 athletics news every M/W/F.

Edition #1683

December 10, 2025

Interested in advertising a department opening in D2.ticker? Post your department-wide openings on CollegeSports.jobs for inclusion in any of our College.town publications, where tens of thousands of administrators and coaches get news and updates about the industry. Want unlimited job-postings for one year? Learn more about all job posting options HERE or contact jobs@wearecollegetown.com

D2 Jobs on CollegeSports.jobs... New opportunities at Fort Hays State (x2) and Shepherd, below. Want unlimited job-postings for a year? Learn more about all job posting options HERE or contact jobs@wearecollegetown.com

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)

Last month, the Membership Committee asked for the Championships Committee to provide feedback on if the five-year waiting period for new conferences to attain AQ bids should remain. On specific member issues, Saint Augustine’s has forfeited its NCAA membership for failing to pay its 2024-25 membership dues. On the merger between Gannon and Ursuline, the committee is asking for more information on how full-time enrollment would work for student-athletes to take courses at both institutions and how the institutions will handle differences in state law. The division also received an inquiry from Utah State Eastern (NJCAA) about potential membership, with the committee seeking greater clarity about the institution’s structure, as it is a part of Utah State (DI). Full report. (link)

It’s Personnel…
➤ Flagler promotes Senior Assoc. AD for Internal Operations Matt Green to Deputy AD. (link)
➤ Northwest Nazarene Asst. AD for Communications Josh Burkholder is no longer with the Nighthawks. (link)

Deal Digest…
➤ The GNAC and UAH are the latest to partner with Athletic Solutions. (link, link)
➤ Wisconsin-Parkside teams up with Neurofuel as its mental performance partner. (link)
➤ The NSIC inks a deal with Tarkett Sports to deliver “comprehensive services and solutions designed to improve athletic facilities.” (link)

Nebraska-Kearney has unveiled plans to cut $4.8M from its budget as the university faces a $4.5M structural deficit through FY27. UNK will eliminate five degree programs and 21 faculty positions; cut $200K from the athletics budget; provide $400K less in tuition waivers for athletics, Kearney Health and Kearney Law programs, with plans to try to fundraise to make up that difference and more. (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)

We offer our deepest condolences to the Shippensburg community following the passing of Men’s Basketball AC Dave Miller. (link)

Our sincerest condolences go out to the Kentucky State community after one student was killed and another was injured during a shooting on campus yesterday. Police have arrested the suspect, who is not a student. The university has suspended campus activities and final exams for the rest of this week. (link)

Northwestern Oklahoma State names UT Martin (DI) Asst. HC Jerry Partridge as the Rangers’ next Football HC. (link)

Coaches.wire…
➤ Caldwell Women’s Volleyball HC Héctor Colón resigns after two seasons. (link)
➤ Newman Women’s Volleyball HC Mike MacNeill steps down after one season leading the Jets. (link)
➤ Southwest Baptist selects Spartanburg Methodist (NAIA) Women’s Soccer HC Debbie Pekel for the same role in Bolivar. (link)
➤ Sul Ross State Women’s Volleyball HC Annika Canaba departs for the same role at Concordia (TX - DIII). (link)
➤ Western Oregon Women’s Soccer HC Kacey Bingham exits for the same position at UNLV (DI). (link)
➤ Don’t miss this morning’s Coaches.wire, which details all coaching transactions across the industry over the last 48 hours. (link)

Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw reports the Paramount-Netflix bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery is expected to stretch well into 2026 as Paramount and Netflix brace for a prolonged fight. Warner Bros. has 10 business days to respond to Paramount’s hostile $30/share offer, but is not expected to unwind its recently signed merger agreement with Netflix, which would trigger a $2.8B breakup fee. In the meantime, Paramount continues to weigh its next steps, including pursuing a January 8 tender offer, extending its bid, litigating to block Netflix’s deal, or raising its price. Both bidders have signaled capacity to raise their offers. Paramount CEO David Ellison is courting investors in D.C. and on Wall Street. More. (link)

Interested in advertising a job opening in D2.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!) Head Women's Soccer Coach (Shepherd University / Shepherdstown, WV): The successful candidate will be responsible for the organization, supervision and administration of an NCAA Division II intercollegiate women’s soccer program and department assigned duties. 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. 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. More details HERE.

Assistant Women's Volleyball Coach (Western Colorado University / Gunnison, CO): Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach. More details HERE.

Assistant Women's and Men's Golf Coach (University of Illinois Springfield / Springfield, IL): The successful candidate can build a coaching portfolio by assisting with the golf program in 2026-27 while enrolled in a master's degree and living in a campus apartment, if available. 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. 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! More details HERE.

Assistant Football Coach - Defense (Grand Valley State University / Allendale, MI): Join the 17-time Learfield Director's Cup winning GVSU Laker Athletics department anchored in the relentless pursuit of greatness. Laker Football has two openings for an Assistant Coach. 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.

Head Women's Flag Football Coach (Missouri Southern State University / Joplin, MO): The Head Women’s Flag Football Coach oversees all aspects of the flag football program, including teaching, coaching, training, performance, and recruitment of student-athletes. More details HERE.

Athletics Communication Coordinator (Western Colorado University / Gunnison, CO): Western Colorado University invites applications for the full-time position of Athletics Communication Coordinator. More details HERE.

Associate Director of Club Sports (Southwest Baptist University / Bolivar, MO): This role provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and hands-on engagement with SBU’s growing Club Sports program. More details HERE.

Assistant Coach, Volleyball (Upper Iowa University / Fayette, IA): This position will report directly to the Volleyball HC and is responsible for assisting in the planning, directing, and evaluating of a successful volleyball program. Go Peacocks! More details HERE.

Assistant Athletics Coach II, Softball (Florida Gulf Coast University / Fort Myers, FL): The Assistant Athletics Coach II, Softball assists with all activities related to the Softball program including recruitment, player development, monitoring academic performance, and discipline. (DI) More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Trainer (Emporia State University / Emporia, KS): Emporia State University Intercollegiate Athletics is seeking an Assistant Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.

Head Coach - Women's Volleyball (Lake Superior State University / Sault Sainte Marie, MI): Seeking a dynamic Head Volleyball Coach to lead and empower women while elevating LSSU VB as our university grows and transforms within Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula in a blended NCAA D1/D2 model. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletics Director, Eagles Club (Florida Gulf Coast University / Fort Myers, FL): The Assistant Athletics Director will provide strategic leadership for the Eagles Club, which includes Annual Giving and special events for FGCU Athletics. (DI) More details HERE.

Assistant Men's Soccer Coach (University of Illinois Springfield / Springfield, IL): Join the storied UIS Men’s Soccer program, supporting player development, recruiting, on-field strategy, and off-field mentorship within the demanding GLVC environment. More details HERE.

Head Volleyball Coach (Bethany College / Lindsborg, KS): Seeking an enthusiastic leader ready to rebuild & elevate our volleyball program. The Head Coach is responsible for shaping a dynamic team culture while leading & managing all aspects of the program. (NAIA) More details HERE.

Senior Associate AD for Internal Operations - Compliance (University of Indianapolis / Indianapolis, IN): The Senior Associate AD for Internal Operations and Compliance for internal operations and compliance provides senior level leadership and support to the internal operations and athletic department. More details HERE.

Athletics Groundskeeper (Florida Gulf Coast University / Fort Myers, FL): The Athletics Groundskeeper is responsible for maintenance and care of the fields and surrounding grounds at the Outdoor Athletic Complexes. (DI) More details HERE.

Assistant Field Hockey Coach (Ball State University / Muncie, IN): Provide teaching and instruction to student-athletes; perform duties in all areas of the program at the direction of the head coach, athletic director, or sport supervisor. (DI) More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Northwestern Oklahoma State University / Alva, OK): Lead an NCAA Division II football program in the Great American Conference, overseeing recruiting, staff, culture, and game-day performance. More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Savannah State University / Savannah, GA): The head football coach is responsible for all phases of the football program including recruitment of prospective student-athletes, game preparation and strategy, supervision of assistant coaches. 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. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Trainer, Department of Athletics (R0008357) (Wake Forest University / Winston-Salem, NC): Performs a variety of functions in the care, prevention, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries for student-athletes through an existing Sports Medicine program. (DI) 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.

Senior Associate AD for Compliance/Internal Affairs (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Senior Associate AD for Compliance/Internal Affairs More details HERE.

Head Women's Soccer Coach (Missouri Southern State University / Joplin, MO): The Head Women’s Soccer Coach oversees all aspects of the women’s soccer program, including teaching, coaching, training, performance, and recruitment of student-athletes. 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. More details HERE.

Eligibility Officer for Athletic Academic Compliance (Part-Time) (Fort Hays State University / Hays, KS): NCAA academic eligibility certification/evaluation w/ Registrar's office (19 varsity teams/550 athletes) Update NCAA Compliance Assistant, Workday, Teamworks/Compliance & Recruiting platforms. More details HERE.

Graduate Assistant - Business and Administration (Fort Hays State University / Hays, KS): Reports to Assistant Director for Business Operations & Administration, provides fiscal and office support for purchasing, reconciliation, ticketing, inventory, student worker hiring and management. More details HERE.

Coaching Assistant - Strength & Conditioning (University of Mary / Bismarck, ND): The Coaching Assistant Position for the Strength and Conditioning program is about developing the physical and mental aspects of training the scholar-athletes at the University of Mary. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Trainer (Ball State University / Muncie, IN): This position provides sports medicine services with a focus on football student-athletes. Is responsible for providing medical care during practices, games and tournaments, as assigned. (DI) More details HERE.

Athletics Administrative Assistant (University of Mary / Bismarck, ND): The Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to the Athletic Director and the entire athletic department. More details HERE.

Student-Athlete Development Coordinator I/II (Florida Gulf Coast University / Fort Myers, FL): The Coordinator of Student-Athlete Development at FGCU oversees the daily operations of the student-athlete development program. (DI) More details HERE.

Head Women's Soccer Coach (Southwest Baptist University / Bolivar, MO): The SBU Head Women's Soccer coach will oversee all aspects of the program at the Division II level as a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference More details HERE.

Contact D2.ticker

Unsubscribe

D2.ticker, Louisville, KY 40207 USA