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Saint Augustine’s has had its accreditation from SACSCOC removed, citing a failure to meet financial and governing standards. SAU plans to appeal the decision. President Marcus Burgess: “SACSCOC could only consider information SAU presented as of November 18, 2024. Saint Augustine’s University has made significant progress even since that date, including finalizing the $70 Million deal with 50 plus 1 Sports. The SACSCOC Board could not consider that information on Saturday during our hearing. Still, we look forward to providing that evidence during our February appeals hearing, along with other information that will definitively resolve all the remaining areas of concern. While this may seem like a disappointing decision, we view this as an encouraging outcome that acknowledges our progress, and we are excited about the opportunity the Appeal affords us. This opportunity to prove that SAU is now a stronger and more financially healthy institution will bring confidence to our stakeholders and partners, ensuring them that SAU remains a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation for our students and the Raleigh community.” (link); Related, the CIAA has suspended Saint Augustine’s indefinitely after initially doing so for this academic year. The board may lift said suspension at any time once “the university proves readiness to fulfill and maintain a holistic NCAA Division II athletics program, in accordance with NCAA and CIAA bylaws.” (link)

The Championships Committee has approved funding to expand the Women’s Lacrosse bracket from 16 to 24 teams starting this year, with the expanded championship to span three weekends. To save money, the group supported having the top two seeds in each region hosting first and second round action, as opposed to the number one seeds hosting. The committee has also asked the Legislation Committee to “review sport-specific legislation that would need to be amended should've Division II Women's Bowling Championship be established,” as 38 DII programs competed in 2023-24. More. (link, link)

Clark Atlanta AD Jerel Drew recaps his second year leading the Panthers. In addition to the $1.8M grant for a new red turf field, Men’s Basketball raised over $100K for a locker room renovation and CAU brought in more than $100K from Homecoming ticket and tailgating sales for the first time in years. In Football, the Panthers finished 7-3-1, their best record in recent years, and 13th in DII in attendance with an average of more than 6,400 fans. More. (link)

NCAA President Charlie Baker is confident the House settlement will ultimately be approved and tells Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Fischer he would invite increased government oversight of college athletics to ensure a more stable landscape beyond what is covered in the settlement’s 10-year window. “If the settlement gets approved—and I’m certainly hoping it will be given the preliminary approval—starting in July, this stuff has to actually work. Skip the issue of what it means in the long term, it’s got to work. People need to understand the decisions they’re making, kids need to understand the decisions they’re making.” Baker declined to indicate whether the NCAA would engage directly with Athletes.org or other advocacy groups but says he has encouraged schools to stay flexible and hopes athletes are educating themselves on the settlement and other pressing issues facing college athletics. “This is a fairly complicated exercise to implement. It doesn’t have a lot of ‘thou shalts.’ … We are all aware that you have 365 schools in DI, all of whom are going to have to make some decisions about how and where they want to play in the space. That’s one of the reasons why it’s an opt-in, opt-out model. I think you’re going to see far more kids on scholarship than you see today. And far more kids engaged in a school-based approach to NIL that, I think in the long run, will be much better for them and for the schools.” House plaintiffs’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler has emphasized that the settlement doesn’t solve every problem facing college athletics, and Baker says: “We’re still going to have to figure out some way to deal with the employment question. We have 36, 37 states with different NIL laws. … I’d be willing to do this in some way where we have to go through a checkpoint of some kind in the federal government to get approval for a rule that involves something that is a nationwide standard. To determine, if in fact, there are any antitrust issues there. … I sort of feel like, O.K., you gave us a mission, Congress. We’ve done a pretty decent job of following through on your mission.” (link)

More from Baker, where he acknowledged the House settlement will likely require a rewriting of several NCAA bylaws. “The creation of that institutional NIL model and some of the other pieces that are associated with that are completely different than anything that’s ever been in place. For us, that’s job number one. I also think we’re all hoping that the preliminary approval by the judge will sort of signal that we should go ahead and do the contingent work required to implement this.” In regards to getting an assist from Congress, Baker said: “We’ve already dealt with many of the issues we were told people wanted us to deal with and I think that’s enhanced the conversation we’ve had with Congress. [But] I don’t know exactly what it will be. Anybody who says they do is not telling you the truth. Politics and legislative writing is very messy.” Baker also commented on the construction of a fan database, which is an example of the kind of system Baker believes demonstrates the NCAA’s value to power conferences. “It would be hard to have a national championship and March Madness without us. It’s an ecosystem for all the people who work in it and it’s one that has been incredibly powerful and successful over a long period of time. This database, for example, would be really hard for anybody else to do.” Baker on sports betting: “My interest with sports betting is to get prop betting out of sports. Anyone who saw our data should know why we feel that way. The stuff that shows up online is appalling and disgraceful. Until the platforms and sports books want to have a serious conversation, it’s unlikely we’ll be that interested.” (link)

Grant House, Sedona Prince and Nya Harrison – the named plaintiffs in the House case – have sent a letter to U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilken asking for her to address the need for a players' association, citing "a critical need for structural changes to protect athletes and to prevent the failures of the past." The plaintiffs are calling for Athletes.org to serve as the players' association, writing: "Without independent, formal representation, separate from schools or their affiliates, athletes will inevitably remain in a vulnerable position, perpetuating the cycle of inequity and paving the way for continued litigation. AO provides the infrastructure to offer the collective voice, legal guidance, and resources we need to address these challenges, constructively, ensuring a fair and sustainable future for college athletics." (link); Plaintiffs’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler tells ESPN’s Dan Murphy he doesn’t believe the letter will derail the settlement process. He also says the athletes advised him of the letter to Wilken and he did not have an issue with it. "I think the settlement is incredible for college sports, but it does not solve every issue in the world. The fact they might also need a players' association is a valid point. I have no problem with it." Murphy posits Judge Wilken is “unlikely to play any role in forming or blessing a players' association, but the athletes' letter could have an impact on how she views the long-term success of the settlement.” (link)

U.S. District Court judge Claudia Wilken has “no authority” to create a union or a players’ association, according to Sportico’s Michael McCann, who explains: “Her authority is limited to addressing the specific antitrust issues raised in the three cases and to review the settlement to ensure it meets the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 that it is fair, reasonable and adequate. That’s it.” McCann also notes that it’s possible Athletes.org or other advocacy groups could one day be recognized by the NLRB as unions. “But as of now, those organizations are not unions. They can’t collectively bargain on behalf of athletes. … That’s not to say the letter is irrelevant. During a hearing or as part of a written order, Wilken might opine she believes college athletes need a more organized voice to protect their interests. It’s less likely that she’ll opine, without review of facts and legal arguments, that college athletes are or are not employees and should or should not unionize. Wilken might also ask in a settlement approval hearing if the settlement is the right vehicle to accomplish the goals House, Prince and Harrison express in their letter. That would serve as another way of checking to make sure the settlement isn’t just an agreement by the lawyers without meaningful input by the client. The letter praises the settlement, but what the players seek—a collective voice—is well beyond the settlement and might make Wilken pause to ask whether the players understand the limitations of the settlement and the framework it prescribes.” (link)

Southern Nazarene announces that its STUNT program will transition to become an NCAA-affiliated sport, effective January 2025. (link)

Edinboro Football HC Jake Nulph steps down to assume the role of AD at Kiski Area H.S. (PA) after leading the Fighting Scots’ program since January 2020. (link)

Delta State Football HC Todd Cooley agrees to a four-year extension. Additional contract details have yet to be released. Cooley: "Since my first day on the job, I've maintained it's an honor to be the head coach here. I thank God every day for this opportunity. I appreciate our administration and the confidence they have in our staff. We have a really good culture here. We're proud of the success we've had in recent years, but we also want to be even better." (link)

Coaches.wire:

+ Daemen names Seton Hill Women’s Lacrosse AC Emily Bitka as HC. (link)

+ Davenport Men’s Rugby HC Dustin Steedman steps down after four years in charge to pursue a professional career in real estate. Current AC Dominique (Dom) Bailey takes over as Panthers’ HC. (link)

+ Eckerd removes the interim tag in elevating alumnus Joe Ilett to Men’s Soccer HC. (link)

+ Grand Valley State Women’s Soccer HC Katie Hultin has accepted the same position at Illinois (DI). (link)

+ Saint Martin’s Women’s Soccer HC Derek Faulkner resigns after two seasons at the helm. (link)

+ Additional coaching changes in the industry can be found in this morning's edition of Coaches.wire. (link)

More Higher Ed:

+ Coming out of SACSCOC’s annual meeting, Saint Leo’s accreditation probation has been lifted, Erskine has been placed on probation for good cause, Christian Brothers and Virginia Union will remain on probation for good cause and Kentucky State has been placed on warning. Full report. (link)

+ Rollins selects Butler (DI) Provost/Executive VP for Academic Affairs Brooke Barnett as its 16th president. (link)

+ Assumption signs President Greg Weiner to a contract extension through May 2030. (link)

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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)

(NEW!) Athletic Director (Augsburg University / Minneapolis, MN): Reporting directly to the President, the Athletic Director is responsible for the leadership, strategic planning, management and administration of the University’s athletic program. (DIII) More details HERE.

(NEW!) Head Cross Country Coach (University of South Carolina Aiken / Aiken, SC): The University of South Carolina Aiken, an NCAA Division II Institution and member of the Peach Belt Conference, is seeking a Head Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Coach. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Men’s Soccer Graduate Assistant (St. Mary's University – Texas / San Antonio, TX): This position is for a Men’s Soccer Graduate Assistant with additional duties to serve as the Goalkeeper coach for the top ranked Men’s soccer program at St. Mary’s University. More details HERE.

(NEW!) Compliance Coordinator - Athletics (Missouri State University / Springfield, MO): To assist the Assistant AD for Compliance with day to day job duties in the area of compliance. (DI) More details HERE.

Head Volleyball Coach (Eastern New Mexico University / Portales, NM): Under general supervision, the Head Volleyball Coach is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a NCAA Division II women’s volleyball program, More details HERE.

Head Women's Soccer Coach (Saint Martin's University / Lacey, WA): The Head Women's Soccer Coach is responsible for all areas including or running a Women's Soccer program including scheduling, budgeting, recruiting, scouting, communicating and training. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing, Fan Engagement, and Revenue Strategy (University of San Diego / San Diego, CA): Support attendance and revenue generation at athletic events through fan engagement initiatives and promotional campaigns. Oversee game-day experiences and community outreach in America's Finest City. (DI) More details HERE.

Head Volleyball Coach (Oral Roberts University / Tulsa, OK): Lead D1 Volleyball Program in Newly Renovated Million Dollar Facilities including New Locker Room and Private Practice Gym. Please email any interest to kaity@bowlsbysportsadvisors.com (DI) More details HERE. The Coaches.dossier for this position is available HERE.

Assistant Athletic Trainer (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): UTD seeks experienced and energetic athletic trainer who will provide education, assessment, treatment and prevention services for athletic-related injuries and illnesses. More details HERE.

Director of Sales - Holy Cross Athletics (Peak Sports MGMT / Worcester, MA): This position focuses on cultivating B2B relationships with businesses to secure athletic partnerships for Holy Cross Athletics. (DI) More details HERE.

Director of Athletics (Midway University / Midway, KY): Come join our growing University. (NAIA) More details HERE.

Head Coach, Lacrosse (Lake Erie College / Painesville, OH): LEC is an NCAA Division II program that competes in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (GMAC). This is a full-time position. More details HERE.

Head Women's Volleyball Coach (Saint Martin's University / Lacey, WA): The Head Coach is responsible for all scheduling, budgeting, recruiting, scouting, communicating and training associated with the successful operation of the Women’s Volleyball NCAA D2 program. More details HERE.

Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing & Fan Engagement (William & Mary / Williamsburg, VA): Develop and implement marketing, promotional activities, digital and social strategies, and ticket sales plans for football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and men’s and women’s soccer. (DI) More details HERE.

Athletic Administration Intern (University of Illinois at Springfield / Springfield, IL): Gain experience in communication, marketing/PR, game day events, and student-athlete excellence. This position is available for one year and is eligible for a tuition waiver and on-campus apartment. More details HERE.

Visiting Assistant Men's and Women's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach (University of Illinois at Springfield / Springfield, IL): UIS is seeking an assistant coach for the men's and women's cross country/track and field program. This position is eligible for a tuition waiver and an on-campus apartment. More details HERE.

Head Women's Soccer Coach (Eastern New Mexico University / Portales, NM): Under general supervision, responsible for all aspects of managing and directing a NCAA Division II women’s soccer program. More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Adams State University is seeking an experienced and dedicated Head Football Coach to lead its football program. More details HERE.

Field Hockey Head Coach (Rhodes College / Memphis, TN): Rhodes College seeks a Head Field Hockey Coach to coordinate all phases of intercollegiate field hockey program. (DIII) More details HERE.

Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Relations (West Texas A&M University / Canyon, TX): Seeking individual to proactively grow the WT athletics brand and revenue through an innovated approach. Responsible for devising & executing strategies to increase exposure through social media. More details HERE.

Account Executive - Advertising (D2.ticker Parent Company: Drive & Company / Remote): Maximize revenue via advertising assets across its portfolio, namely industry-leading publications D1.ticker, D2.ticker, D3.ticker, NAIA.ticker, Coaches.wire, AthleticDirectorU & more. More details HERE.

Assistant Director of Compliance (Lynn University / Boca Raton, FL): The Assistant Director of Compliance ensures Lynn’s 19 varsity sports, athletics staff, and representatives follow all institutional, Sunshine State Conference, and NCAA regulations. More details HERE.

Director of Mental Health & Performance (William & Mary / Williamsburg, VA): - Counseling and consultation with individual student athletes. - Implementing a range of performance and mental skills training for student-athletes and coaches in individual and team settings. (DI) More details HERE.

Athletic Trainer (King University – Tennessee / Bristol, TN): Provide support for student athletes on a variety of athletic teams. More details HERE.

Dean of Athletics / Athletic Director (Lehigh University / Bethlehem, PA): Lehigh University Dean of Athletics / Athletic Director. (DI) More details HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.

Head Women's Soccer Coach (LeTourneau University / Longview, TX): LeTourneau University seeks a dynamic leader for women’s soccer to mentor student-athletes, recruit top talent, foster spiritual growth, ensure excellence, and manage staff, events, and budgets. (DIII) More details HERE.

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (University of Redlands / Redlands, CA): Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics is the senior officer for the University’s athletic programs. (DIII) More details HERE.

Head Football Coach (Otterbein University / Westerville, OH): Head Football Coach who will provide oversight of the program, focusing on the holistic development of the student athletes, academic excellence, and competitive success. (DIII) More details HERE.

Associate Athletics Director - Sports Performance (Eastern New Mexico University / Portales, NM): The Associate Athletics Director for Sport Performance will be responsible for overseeing the complete physical development of all student-athletes at ENMU. More details HERE.

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