Boise State has often been pressured to consider leaving the Mountain West ConferenceGETTY IMAGES
Jeramiah Dickey was introduced as Boise State’s new AD, and in addition to hiring a new football coach, he has “plenty on his plate,” as the school is “dealing with budget shortfalls due to COVID-19,” according to B.J. Rains of the IDAHO PRESS-TRIBUNE. Dickey has a fundraising background, and he said that he will “work quickly to identify ways to increase giving to help supplement the budget.” Dickey: “Resources are obviously going to be a priority moving forward.” He added that he has “already had a meeting about the potential expansion of the east side of Albertsons Stadium.” Dickey: “I heard a lot about the east side and the potential revenue implications of that. There’s a lot there. I’m excited to get engaged, but I don’t know if there’s a quick fix to revenue generation” (IDAHO PRESS-TRIBUNE, 1/5).
UNCERTAIN FUTURE IN MWC: In Boise, Ron Counts notes another “pressing issue Dickey will have to face early in his tenure” is the school’s “often-contentious relationship with the Mountain West.” Emails surfaced last month from former football coach Bryan Harsin to school administrators “urging the university to leave the conference,” while a report showed there were “preliminary conversations between the school and the American Athletic Conference.” BSU President Marlene Tromp “didn’t say anything definitive Monday about a potential move, but she said the university is always open to opportunities to continue improving its brand.” Tromp: “Right now, we are proud members of the Mountain West Conference, but we will always look to do what’s best for Boise State” (IDAHO STATESMAN, 1/5).
