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Edition #1353

January 30, 2026

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Rhode Island College AD Donald Tencher was the lone opposing vote to the addition of women’s wrestling as a DIII championship and women’s flag football becoming an emerging sport at the 2026 NCAA Convention. Tencher lays out his reasoning for opposition in an op-ed for D3sports, noting his deep concern around the “future funding and financing facing all of college athletics.” Tencher continues: “My votes at the convention represented the fact that, at least myself, do not have a clear picture of the future. Until we are sure of our future finances, and in support of a healthy NCAA, my votes were against any expansion until we have a clearer picture of the future. I am most concerned with how this relates to Rhode Island College, our student-athletes and staff as we continue to work extremely hard at everything we do, while being funded at pre-Covid levels, with the greatest percentage of our coaches being part-time. We have two tremendous women’s programs in equestrian (not an NCAA sport) and gymnastics (not an NCAA Division III sport). ... Rather than expand sports, the NCAA should look to enhance and solidify the experience of the great student-athletes who compete in currently established sports such as women’s gymnastics. In addition, all student-athletes should have every possible opportunity to compete in a fair and equitable fashion when it comes to their regular season and postseason opportunities. My votes at the convention reflect a need I felt, especially representing Rhode Island College, to take a step back and fully take care what we have.” (link)

Averett officially sells its 70-acre North Campus, which is home to Cougars athletics, to the Danville Regional Foundation and the Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority for $18.15M, which will be paid over three years. The university will lease back the facilities for a maximum of $7.45M over the next decade and retain the right to repurchase the facility at any time for that same $18.15M price. As part of the agreement, Averett retains first priority for the use of facilities. President Thomas Howell: “This partnership is crucial for the long-term stability of Averett University. … With this partnership, Averett will now be able to continue to grow and evolve into a university that better serves the community. Averett is becoming a new, more efficient and focused university that has always changed with the times and will provide wide-ranging benefits and advantages to the Dan River Region.” The institution also sold its 130-acre equestrian center for $800K, after listing it at $1.6M last year, and will continue to use it through at least the 2026-27 academic year. (link, link)

It’s “absolutely critical” that any federal law related to college sports includes a provision preventing student-athletes from being deemed employees of their school, per U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who adds that “without it, we will see enormous and irreparable damage to college sports.” In an interview with ESPN’s Dan Murphy, Cruz observed: “Congress might run out of time to act if it can't find a bipartisan solution in the coming months,” with the current divide between Republicans and Democrats over whether college student-athletes should have a future avenue for collective bargaining thus requiring them to be employees. Murphy: “Cruz and NCAA leaders say many smaller schools would not be able to afford their sports teams if athletes had to be paid and receive benefits as employees. However, as lawsuits over player contracts and eligibility rules continue to mount, a growing number of frustrated coaches and athletic directors from major programs say they are open to collective bargaining as a solution.” Asked if creating a distinction between groups of college athletes is a viable compromise for Congress, Cruz told ESPN he does not think “employment status is the answer to this problem.” More. (link)

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, who sued the NCAA to secure unlimited transfers for collegiate student-athletes now references the unrestricted transfer portal as a “train wreck” and says it is “sucking the life out of college sports,” according to USA Today’s Brent Schrotenboer. Skrmetti: “I think the portal is probably the single biggest problem that needs to be solved.” Despite his overall concerns, Skrmetti doesn’t regret fighting to remove the rule and says building a system with better rules is up to college sports leaders and Congress. Skrmetti: “It's not that the NCAA got sued by states. It's that the NCAA was behaving illegally. And so just like with the NIL stuff, it was going to happen, like somebody was going to push back. And the point of the litigation is not to carve in stone the Wild West. It’s to get conclusive rulings that the old ways are broken, and it's time to start creating what the next college sports regime looks like. … I don't think we want state political figures doing that through litigation. I think it really needs to be a conversation between the coaches, the student-athletes, the conferences, the universities, the NCAA leadership, everybody who's involved in this.” More. (link)

Introducing: The W Profile, a new twice-weekly publication featuring the women leading at the intersection of sports, media, and global business. From the executive suites of the world’s largest companies to the command centers of iconic brands, we profile the visionaries driving the most significant deals and cultural shifts in the marketplace. Through these stories, we uncover the tactical playbooks and personal convictions of the female executives who are redefining the modern sports and entertainment landscape.

This series reflects our deep commitment to the women in college athletics. As our industry adopts professional structures and evolves into a mainstream corporate enterprise, the lines between the campus and the boardroom have blurred. To thrive in this new era, it is instructive to look to the visionaries who have already mastered the complexities of the corporate world. The W Profile exists to bridge that gap, bringing the lessons of global business to the athletics community and ensuring that as our industry expands, our leaders have the insights necessary to build a lasting legacy.

Edition #1 published Sunday night and highlights Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, who is widely considered the most powerful woman in Hollywood. Walden stands as a top contender to succeed Bob Iger as CEO, meaning Walden would not only lead Disney’s creative and theme park empire but would ultimately oversee ESPN during its most pivotal transition toward a direct-to-consumer future.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE W PROFILE: DANA WALDEN >>

Edition #2 published this morning and spotlights NFL EVP/CRO Renie Anderson, who oversees the league's entire commercial portfolio that generates billions in annual revenue and rose from within the NFL over the last 20 years from entry level to C-suite.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE W PROFILE: RENIE ANDERSON >>

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PUBLICATION >>

Whittier has suspended its women’s lacrosse program indefinitely, with the program undergoing an evaluation of its long-term viability. AD Rock Carter: “First and foremost, the safety and welfare of our student-athletes must be prioritized. Given the current low participation numbers and limited experience on the roster, we are unable to provide a safe and competitive intercollegiate experience at this time. We are actively re-evaluating the needs and goals of the program and remain committed to delivering a positive student-athlete experience as we do for all of our teams.” (link)

After announcing the addition of acrobatics & tumbling in 2024-25, Simpson has paused the addition of the new sport, per Asst. AD/SWA Tara Rehmeier. Rehmeier tells The Simpsonian’s Guadalupe Contreras the Storm are focused on existing programs, with the future of the acrobatics & tumbling program to be decided by the next AD. (link)

Alfred State, Hilbert and LaRoche will join the Heartland Collegiate Lacrosse Conference alongside Earlham, Hanover, Spalding and Transylvania. HCAC Commissioner Jay Jones and AMCC Commissioner Jeromy Yetter will serve as co-commissioners of the league. (link)

Geneva promotes DC Tom Contenta to become the Golden Tornadoes’ next Football HC. (link)

Coaches.wire…
➤ Brevard promotes Women’s Soccer HC Juan Mascaro Sr. to serve as Technical Director as the program shifts to a professional soccer model. The Tornados elevate Assoc. HC Juan Mascaro Jr. to become HC. (link)
➤ Luther hires Coe Women’s Volleyball AC Sam Rossetti as its next HC. (link)
➤ Twenty-seven sports had coaching staff changes the back half of this week, paced by football. Check out all the moves via this morning’s edition of Coaches.wire. (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!) Assistant Director for Athletic Communications (Emory University / Atlanta, GA): This position reports to the Director of Communications and Sports Information and assists with the daily operations of the Emory University Athletic Communications Office. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Director of Athletics (Simpson College / Indianola, IA): The Director of Athletics provides strategic leadership, vision and oversight for Simpson College's athletics program. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Assistant Football Coach - Offensive Line (Buena Vista University / Storm Lake, IA): Assist successful operation of the program by recruiting student-athletes, supporting training sessions, game preparation, game-day coaching and operations, and monitoring student-athletes academically. More details HERE.

Head Field Hockey Coach (Moravian University / Bethlehem, PA): The Head FH coach reports to the Director of Athletics and Recreation and is responsible for all phases of a NCAA Division III athletic program competing in the Landmark Conference. More details HERE.

Operations Manager (Chapman University / Orange, CA): Coordinates and directs the administrative and financial operations, team travel, human resources, coordinates institutional compliance, legal contracts, expenses, and monitors financial activity. More details HERE.

Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Branding Officer (University of Houston / Houston, TX): Reporting to the VP for Athletics, the Chief Brand Officer leads all brand, marketing, communications, and content for UH Athletics, driving fan engagement, partnerships, and revenue growth. (DI) More details HERE.

Athletic Trainer (University of California – Santa Cruz / Santa Cruz, CA): Provides sports medicine support for student athletes. Works with staff to prevent, diagnose, treat, and rehab injuries. Collaborates with physicians to ensure they receive comprehensive care. More details HERE.

Senior Associate Athletic Director, Executive Director of Cougar Pride (University of Houston / Houston, TX): Leads all athletic fundraising efforts, overseeing major, annual, premium seating, and sport-specific giving while collaborating with senior leaders to maximize revenue and engagement. (DI) More details HERE.

Director Of Athletics Communications (Williams College / Williams College, MA): Williams College seeks a passionate and strategic Director of Athletics Communications to drive engagement and excitement for our Athletics program and connect with our vibrant community. More details HERE.

Assistant Women's Volleyball Coach (University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point / Stevens Point, WI): As Assistant Coach, the position supports the University and Department objectives through planning, recruiting, coaching, developing, implementing, communicating, and administering volleyball. More details HERE.

Senior Associate/Associate Athletic Director (Trinity College – Connecticut / Hartford, CT): Support athletic operations, oversee select sports, ensure NCAA DIII compliance, and collaborate campus-wide to advance student-athlete success and departmental goals. More details HERE.

Student-Athlete Academic Services: Academic Fellowship (Florida State University / Tallahassee, FL): FSU is offering multiple 1-year Student-Athlete Academic Services Fellowships (May 2026-May 2027), focusing on academic advising, NCAA eligibility, support services, and holistic student development. (DI) More details HERE.

Head Field Hockey Coach and Assistant Professor of Physical Education (Trinity College – Connecticut / Hartford, CT): Full-time Head Field Hockey Coach at Trinity College (NCAA DIII, NESCAC), leading all aspects of the program while supporting wellness initiatives, campus service, and student-athlete success. More details HERE.

Assistant Field Hockey Coach (Allegheny College / Meadville, PA): The Assistant Coach is responsible for assisting the Head Coach in the administration of all aspects of the sport program. More details HERE.

Assistant Coach - M/W Cross Country and Track and Field (Allegheny College / Meadville, PA): Please see description of position listed below. More details HERE.

Head Coach, Men's Ice Hockey (University of Saint Joseph / West Hartford, CT): The University of Saint Joseph is thrilled to launch its Men’s Ice Hockey program in Fall 2026 and is seeking a Head Coach to build a competitive NCAA Division III program from the ground up. More details HERE.

Head Coach, Women's Volleyball/Instructor (University of Saint Joseph / West Hartford, CT): The Head Volleyball Coach provides leadership for all facets of building and sustaining a successful NCAA Division III volleyball program. More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Moravian University / Bethlehem, PA): The head Football coach must direct and manage the operations of a NCAA Division III varsity athletic program achieving predetermined goals and objectives. More details HERE.

Performance Nutrition Program Director Football (University of Kansas / Lawrence, KS): Under the direction of the Head Team Physician, the Sports Nutritionist is responsible for providing nutritional counseling and education services to Football Student-Athletes. (DI) More details HERE.

Head Men's Soccer Coach (Penn State Harrisburg / Middletown, PA): Penn State Harrisburg Athletics is seeking candidates for the position of Head Men's Soccer Coach. More details HERE.

Assistant Cross Country and Track & Field Coach (St. Mary's College of Maryland / 20686, MD): Assist the head coach in the day to day operations overseeing men's and women's cross country and track & field teams. This is a 10-month full-time position with benefits. More details HERE.

Vice President and Director of Athletics (University of New Mexico / Albuquerque, NM): UNM seeks a Vice President & Director of Athletics to lead 18 Division I programs, advancing academic, competitive, and ethical excellence while elevating the Lobos’ national profile. (DI) More details HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.

Football Coach (Campbellsville University / Campbellsville, KY): Campbellsville University is seeking a Head Coach for our NAIA nationally ranked football program. (NAIA) More details HERE.

Head Men’s Soccer Coach/Physical Education & Wellness Instructor (Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT / Cambridge, MA): This is a full-time, 10-month appointment that will include the management and oversight of the men's soccer program. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (Wilson College / Chambersburg, PA): The director of athletics provides visionary and strategic leadership for the comprehensive NCAA Division III athletics program and the varsity Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) teams. More details HERE.

Assistant Women's Soccer Coach (Mount Holyoke College / South Hadley, MA): Full-time assistant women's soccer coach - reports directly to the head soccer coach. More details HERE.

Assistant Coach - Football, Defensive Coordinator (University of Puget Sound / Tacoma, WA): The Defensive Coordinator is expected to support the mission of the University of Puget Sound and contribute to a collaborative, student-centered, values aligned athletics environment. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (Western Colorado University / Gunnison, CO): Western Colorado University invites energetic, collaborative, and visionary professionals to apply for the position of Director of Athletics at a nationally recognized NCAA DII athletics program. (DII) More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Athletics | Internal Operations (Misericordia University / Dallas, PA): AD of Athletics for Internal Operations is responsible for assisting the Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation w/ organization & administration of the program of intercollegiate athletics. More details HERE.

Head Coach | Women's Lacrosse (Misericordia University / Dallas, PA): The Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse is responsible for the comprehensive organization and administration of the program, overseeing all aspects of the sport. More details HERE.

Athletic Trainer (Babson College / Wellesley, MA): Assist in the administration of the Sports Medicine Program. Develop, train, and supervise Work Study Training Room Assistants. Help supervise use of all Athletic Training Room facilities. More details HERE.

Head Volleyball Coach (Rhodes College / Memphis, TN): The Head Volleyball Coach is responsible for overseeing all aspects of managing a winning NCAA DIII volleyball program. More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (Menlo School / Atherton, CA): Menlo School, a leading private independent school in Atherton, California, seeks a mission-focused, inspiring, and strategic leader to serve as the next director of athletics. More details HERE.

Deputy Director of Athletics (Centre College / Danville, KY): The Deputy AD provides key oversight in the areas of admissions, alumni and corporate relations, sport performance, athletic training, external relations, communications, facilities, and events. More details HERE.

Chief Executive Officer (IPTAY / Clemson, SC): The CEO is responsible for providing strategic leadership for IPTAY by working with the Board, Clemson Athletics, and other University leaders to establish long-range goals and strategic priorities. (DI) More details HERE.

Commissioner (Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference / Madison, WI): Reporting directly to the Council of Chancellors, the Commissioner serves as the Conference’s chief administrative officer, providing strategic leadership aligned with the WIAC’s mission and values. More details HERE.

Assistant Men's Soccer Coach (Illinois Wesleyan University / Bloomington, IL): The position will assist the head coach in the daily operations of a highly competitive NCAA DIII intercollegiate sport program competing in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW). More details HERE.

Head Coach - Men's and Women's Tennis (PT) (Lancaster Bible College / Lancaster, PA): Provides leadership and oversight for men’s and women’s tennis, including coaching, recruiting, mentoring student-athletes, managing staff, and fostering academic, athletic, and spiritual growth. More details HERE.

Assistant Commissioner (Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference / Remote): The Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference invites organized and committed applicants for the position of Assistant Commissioner. This position works remotely and reports directly to the Commissioner. More details HERE.

Associate Athletic Director for Business Operations (Tufts University / Medford, MA): The Associate AD for Business Operations serves as an integral member of the administrative team, making critical decisions and providing direction and leadership for the coaches and staff. More details HERE.

Assistant Women's Volleyball Coach (Loras College / Dubuque, IA): Performs assistant women's volleyball coaching duties, including recruitment of student-athletes in a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III intercollegiate volleyball program. More details HERE

Director of Athletics (Lawrence University / Appleton, WI): The Director of Athletics is responsible for the successful leadership of all facets of the University – the development, planning, implementation, and evaluation of all athletics activities. More details HERE.

Assistant Women's Soccer Coach (Albion College / Albion, MI): Albion College invites applications for the Women's Soccer Assistant Coach position. The Assistant Coach supports the Head Coach in all aspects of coaching and administrating Albion College's program. More details HERE.

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