Syracuse University has selected Mark Coyle as its next athletic director. Coyle comes from Boise State in Idaho. There he led a department that fielded 20 athletic teams. He's credited with academic and athletic success.
During Coyle's tenure student athletes posted the highest combined GPA in school history, with 72% earning 3.0 GPA or above, according to a release from the SU Athletics Department. The athletic teams won 12 conference championships in those years. Last year Boise State was the only school in college football's top level to win conference championships in football, men's basketball and women's basketball, playing in the Mountain West Conference.
Coyle praised the SU program and its facilities.
“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 was chosen by a university search committee, after a national search. He's take over after Daryl Gross left the position following the announcement of sanctions against the school, particularly against the men's basketball program, for violating NCAA rules. Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim suffered a suspension from nine conference games next year. The team also lost scholarships for four years, among other penalties. Gross was not disciplined or directly implicated in those sanctions.
SU chancellor Kent Syverud praised Coyle's off-the-field accomplishments.
“Mark has an outstanding record as a director of athletics and is known throughout the country for his professional accomplishments,” says Chancellor 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.”
The newspaper Idaho Statesmen reports Coyle was at Boise State fewer than 4 years.
Coyle will be officially introduced Monday at an event. He's scheduled to take over duties as Athletic Director July 6th.
