SU selects Boise State’s Mark Coyle as new athletics director

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University (SU) Chancellor Kent Syverud on Friday announced he has selected Mark Coyle as the school’s next director of athletics.

Coyle currently serves as director of athletics at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, according to a news release posted on www.cuse.com, the website of SU athletics.

He will assume his new role on July 6, SU said. The school will formally introduce Coyle at an event set for Monday on the SU campus, it added.

Syverud selected Coyle following a national search. A search committee that Syverud appointed in early April recommended Coyle, according to the news release.

“Mark has an outstanding record as a director of athletics and is known throughout the country for his professional accomplishments,” Syverud said in the news release. “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.”

During Coyle’s tenure at Boise State, Bronco athletic teams posted the highest grade-point average (GPA) in school history, with 18 teams setting team GPA records and more than 72 percent of the student-athletes earning above a 3.0, SU said.

Athletically, Boise State has won 12 conference championships under Coyle’s leadership, including football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s gymnastics, women’s swimming and diving and men’s tennis, according to the SU news release.

During the 2014-15 academic year, Boise State was the only Football Bowl Subdivision school in the country to win conference championships in football, men’s basketball, and women’s basketball.

Coyle is also “known for his success in fundraising,” SU said.

Under Coyle’s leadership the Bronco Athletic Association raised more than $40 million in capital gifts and annual donations, including a $12.5 million naming gift for the football stadium.

“I am truly impressed with Syracuse University’s athletics program and I am honored to have been selected athletic director,” Coyle said in the news release.

“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.”