Syracuse University formally introduces Mark Coyle as new AD

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University (SU) on Monday formally introduced Mark Coyle as its new athletics director (AD).

The school held the introductory event in the in the George R. Iocolano and William C. Petty Football Wing of Manley Field House.

SU Chancellor Kent Syverud on Friday night announced he had selected Coyle in a news release posted on cuse.com, the website for Orange athletics.

Coyle comes to the athletics-director position at SU from the same position at Boise State University in Idaho.

Coyle replaces Daryl Gross, who stepped down from the position in mid-March, according to a letter from Syverud. He used the letter to outline the future of the school’s athletics program following the penalties that the NCAA handed down resulting from its years-long investigation that focused primarily on the men’s basketball program.

A search committee that Syverud appointed in early April recommended Coyle, according to the Friday news release.

“I am confident that Mark is the right leader for Syracuse University athletics,” Syverud said in his remarks during Monday morning’s event.

He will assume his new role on July 6, SU said.

In his remarks, Coyle lauded the Syracuse athletics program.

“It’s a special place because of its history, its tradition. It’s a special place and it’s going to go through transition,” said Coyle.

He promised to give “every ounce” energy he has to help the program “continue to grow and improve.”

Coyle also indicated that his expectations are “simple.”

“I want to make sure that we provide a nationally competitive, broad-based program that focuses on every student athlete. We’re going to get our degrees and we’re going to compete for championships,” he said.

Syverud said Coyle has built his career on “strong, academic values” and a “consistent and constant commitment to the welfare of students.”

“He has also established himself as a dynamic leader in fund raising,” Syverud said about Coyle.

Under Coyle’s leadership the Boise State 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, according to the SU news release.

During Coyle’s tenure at Boise State, Bronco athletic teams won 12 conference championships, including football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, women’s gymnastics, women’s swimming and diving, and men’s tennis.

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, the release stated.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com