Edition #1794
September 9, 2026
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NCAA President Charlie Baker sat down with The Pivot Podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on topics such as revenue-sharing implementation, athlete-welfare guarantees, sports wagering regulations, the expansion of women's sports and more. Here’s what you need to know…
➤ On the litany of eligibility lawsuits and former professionals coming back to college: “I know a lot about state government. It's been very interesting to see my old stomping ground come back and stomp me in the face. … I think it would've been naive for us to assume that if we figured out a way to create revenue sharing in the high revenue DI sports, that there wouldn't be schools and kids who would want to play forever. Why not, right? The problem with that is you steal opportunities from the kids who are behind you. ... The idea that you can then come back and play against the 93% who are never going to see a seat on a professional football team and get an extra year as a result of that. … I do blame the adults for encouraging this."
➤ As for portal transparency tools: "We're going to try and put a universally available website up that will have what actually happens to everybody who enters the portal. Because I think there's a tremendous amount of misrepresentation going on, primarily with third parties and others who are saying to kids, ‘If you get in the portal, we can get you a much better opportunity somewhere else.’ I would love that student-athlete to be able to go online and say, ‘let's see what happened to the guys I played against last year who were kind of like me. Where did they land? How much are they playing?’”
➤ Asked about the prospect of unionization: “I guess what I would say is if that's where people eventually want to go, fine, free country, help yourself. Make sure the kids want to go there too because there's some debate. Most of the kids I talk to don't want that. But the other thing that has to happen in the meantime is we got over the revenue sharing hump. We're there. … To me, let's try to see if we can't get that right and then people can have a conversation about what else they might want to do to organize it going forward. But to me, the hard part, that's the other thing, is in professional sports, the commissioners are given a significant amount of authority to create a structure and enforce it, made more visible than ever by what just happened in the NBA today or yesterday. The conference is really the thing most people identify with in collegiate sports. … I think that's probably the hardest part you got to climb over is just the scale.” (link)
Edward Waters President A. Zachary Faison Jr. took to X after the Tigers’ 66-14 loss to Jackson State (DI) this weekend to announce the university will not schedule DI opponents, “except on terms this institution sets and that materially and substantially advance our program goals.” D2.takeaways…
➤ Faison on the economics that he says do not work: “We were paid a $65,000 guarantee, which covered none of our costs. Travel and related expenses ran roughly $30,000 to $35,000, so we cleared about $30,000. That does not begin to justify what such a game asks of a team, a coaching staff, and a program. The competitive terms are not commensurate ones. When we put 29 funded scholarships on the field against an FCS limit of 63, we are not being measured. We are being mismeasured. NCAA Division II caps us at 36. Our opponents are permitted nearly twice that before the first recruit signs. That figure of 29 also places us in the top quarter of the SIAC, and as a private institution the total dollar investment behind each of our equivalencies exceeds what even many of our public conference peers commit to the same count. We are not underinvesting in this program. We were competing against a structure, not simply a team.”
➤ Faison’s standard: “My keys do not begin to rattle for anything that nets this institution less than $100,000 after travel and related costs. And netting $100,000 does not mean we play. It means we will listen. What we will not do is play a Division I opponent for less than 35 percent of the guarantee that institution itself receives for its own Power Four game. … The same philosophy applies in the other direction. We will not schedule NAIA institutions in football except in compellingly rare circumstances. When we win, we receive no credit toward NCAA Division II postseason eligibility. When we lose, we absorb a reputational cost we cannot recover. There is virtually no version of that game that advances this institution.”
➤ The approach moving forward: “We will schedule where we belong and where we can win. The CIAA, the SIAC, Conference Carolinas, and the Gulf South Conference are all regionally proximal NCAA Division II conferences offering opponents commensurate with the level at which we compete. That is our competitive universe, and it is a strong one.” (link)
With the Senate set to return to Washington for a three-week legislation window before departing until November, Politico’s Calen Razo, Kelsey Brugger and Jacob Wendler observe that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is about to step into a political minefield with the body preparing to take up the Protect College Sports Act as soon as next week – with perhaps as many reasons for his caucus to oppose it as support it. Schumer will need to decide if he wants to steer his members toward helping Republicans reach the 60-vote threshold. One Democratic Senate aide with knowledge of the negotiations believes there’s enough party opposition to tank the measure on the floor as a coalition of labor rights groups and the Congressional Black Caucus warn the bill is exploitative. “A good number of Democratic offices aren’t eager to tick off the AFL-CIO and NAACP, screw over college athletes and deliver Trump and Senate Republicans a major political win weeks before midterms. Bad policy. Terrible politics.” (link)
Central Missouri approved to begin constructing a new 19K square-foot Diamond Sports Development Facility. The indoor facility will include a full turf infield, hitting and pitching lanes, state-of-the-art technology lab and performance suite, an integrated sports medicine and recovery suite and more. AD Matt Howdeshell: “This state-of-the-art facility is truly transformational for UCM Athletics. By equipping our Mules Baseball and Jennies Softball student-athletes with year-round training capabilities, elite technology, and advanced sports medicine, we are setting a new standard for player development in NCAA Division II and ensuring our programs continue to compete for national championships.” Collins | Webb Architecture will serve as the lead architect. (link)
College.town explores the generational collapse of alcohol consumption, detailing how a cultural move toward health optimization is fundamentally altering the baseline behavior of incoming college students. Gallup data reveals beer consumption hit a 21st-century low, while the share of Americans under 35 viewing alcohol as harmful in any quantity doubled to 66% since 2004. Athletic departments must prepare for a demographic that socializes 70% less in person than in 2003, necessitating a shift toward micro-premium hospitality pods and high-margin, hyper-localized culinary drops to maintain stadium relevance. The piece highlights the stakes of this behavioral pivot for college athletics leaders as they attempt to sustain community-driven revenue streams in an era of digital-first isolation. Plain English host Derek Thompson: “At a time when people are socializing less and spending more time alone, I think it's worth thinking through the fact that each era of American life seems to get the drug it deserves. The highly social mid-century years were typified by cigarettes and booze… the drug of the moment is a drug more often used for curating a carefully selected experience of interiority rather than giving ourselves over to the uncertainty of strangers.” (link)
Deal Corner…
➤ The PacWest expands its Teamworks partnership to include Teamworks Hub for all conference members. (link)
➤ Auburn-Montgomery teams up with FanWord to support its content creation efforts. (link)
➤ Lock Haven partners with Floating Feathers Brewing Company to operate a new beer garden at home football games and launch the LHU-branded Lock Haven Logger. (link)
During a scorcher of a Labor Day weekend, Colorado School of Mines and Washburn played to a 16-16 draw as the heat index reached 108, surpassing the MIAA limit. (link)
Ferrum raised $229K during its 40 West Challenge Launch-A-Thon. (link)
It’s Personnel…
➤ The NCAA welcomes former Charlotte AD Mike Hill as its new VP of Men’s Basketball, where he will oversee the Division I, II and III Men’s Basketball Championships and the NIT. (link)
➤ San Francisco State President Lynn Mahoney will retire at the end of this academic year. (link)
Coaches Corner…
➤ Quincy selects UC San Diego (DI) Men’s Tennis HC/Quincy native Timmer Willing as its new Men’s and Women’s Tennis HC. (link)
➤ Stanislaus State Women’s Basketball HC Wayman Strickland is no longer leading the program after 14 years. Strickland is now serving as a Real Estate Specialist for Keller Williams. AC/alum Riley Holladay will serve as Interim HC this season. (link, link)
➤ Western Washington Director of Golf Luke Bennett has stepped down to pursue other opportunities. Former AD/HC Steve Card will serve as Interim HC for the upcoming season. (link)
➤ Wilmington welcomes St. Bonaventure (DI) AC Mari Cook as its new Softball HC. (link)
The U.S. Department of Treasury is proposing a new rule that would strip private colleges of their federal tax-exempt status “if it discriminates on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational, admissions, scholarship, athletic, or other policies, based on the fundamental public policy of the United States against such practices.” IRS CEO Frank Bisignano adds: “Today’s proposed regulations put institutions on notice and schools that continue to engage in racial discrimination should expect to lose that status.” The department will accept public comments and feedback until November 3 and the change would “affect private schools in taxable years beginning after May 31, 2027, which is after the final regulations are expected to be published.” (link, link)
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(Posted from most recent over the last 30 days)
(NEW!) Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball (Babson College / Wellesley, MA): Assistant Coach, Women's Basketball at Babson College in Wellesley, MA. Full-time role assisting with coaching and administrative duties. Salary: $53,813 - $59,792. (DIII) More details HERE.
Vice President and Director of Athletics (Tennessee Wesleyan University / Athens, TN): TWU seeks a dynamic and highly relational leader who understands the important role athletics plays in advancing the University's mission, strengthening enrollment, enhancing the student experience. (NAIA) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Athens? Click HERE.
Head Athletic Trainer (Colorado State University – Pueblo / Pueblo, CO): Provide overall leadership for sports medicine by developing the athletic training vision and strategic direction for CSU Pueblo Sports Medicine. More details HERE.
Jamie and Ellen Pollard Endowed Director of Athletics (Iowa State University / Ames, IA): Iowa State seeks a visionary, strategic leader to serve as its next Director of Athletics and build upon a proud tradition of innovation and competitive excellence. (DI) More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Ames? Click HERE. The D1.dossier for this position is available HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Full Time Assistant Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Trainer (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Assistant Athletic Trainer at Adams State University. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer (Adams State University / Alamosa, CO): Assistant Director of Sports Medicine/Athletic Trainer. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Events and Services (Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference / Woodbridge, CT): A full-time position responsible for managing championship operations, conference awards, financial procedures, NCAA grants and as the primary liaison for selected sport oversight across the CACC. More details HERE.
Assistant Coach - Men's Lacrosse (Babson College / Wellesley, MA): Assistant Coach for Men's Lacrosse at Babson College, Wellesley, MA. Full-time role assisting in coaching and recruitment. (DIII) More details HERE.
Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Operating Officer (Colorado Mesa University / Grand Junction, CO): Working closely with the Director of Athletics, the COO will oversee athletic facilities, event management, capital projects, operational budgets, staffing, and departmental policies and procedures. More details HERE. What would it cost to move to Grand Junction? Click HERE.
Athletic Trainer (Colorado Mesa University / Grand Junction, CO): Responsibilities include coordinating pre-season medical examinations, maintaining medical records, communicating with coaches & medical staff, and making clinical decisions. More details HERE.
Athletics Business Manager (Augusta University / Augusta, GA): The Athletics Business Manager (Business Manager 1) position manages all matters of financial reporting, budgeting, contracts, and collection of funds for the Athletic Department. More details HERE.
Assistant Director of Stewardship and Administration (University of Pennsylvania – Penn / Philadelphia, PA): Shape the donor experience for Penn Athletics, strengthening relationships with alumni and supporters while driving stewardship, engagement, and growth across 33 varsity programs. (DI) More details HERE.
Assistant Director, Creative Services (Big Ten Conference / Rosemont, IL): This position will support the creation and execution of compelling visual content that enhances the Conference's brand, events, championships, and marketing initiatives. (DI) More details HERE.
Graduate Assistant - Women's Soccer (Lakeland University / Plymouth, WI): Responsible for assisting the Head Coach, primarily with recruiting, organizing and running practices, fundraising, promotional activities, and other related assigned responsibilities. (DIII) More details HERE.
Academics and Student Athlete Development Graduate Assistant (Frostburg State University / Frostburg, MD): Graduate Assistant for Academics and Student Athlete Development. More details HERE.
Coordinator of Women's Wrestling Officials (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference / Colorado Springs, CO): The Coordinator of Women’s Wrestling Officials shall be responsible for the assignment, evaluation, and training of officials for contests held by members of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. More details HERE.
Director of Business Operations/Assistant AD-Business Operations (University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee / Milwaukee, WI): Position performs all financial duties within the athletic department. Supports the Deputy AD in budget management and advises staff on policies. Has the potential for an Assistant AD title. (DI) More details HERE.
Associate Head Coach-Cross Country & Track & Field (University of Mary / Bismarck, ND): University of Mary is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Associate Head Coach Cross Country and Track & Field to assist with the leadership, development, and administration. More details HERE.
Sports Information Graduate Assistant (West Virginia Wesleyan College / Buckhannon, WV): The Sports Information Graduate Assistant (GA) position is a 10-month graduate assistant position beginning August 1, 2026 and reports to the Sports Information Director. More details HERE.
Account Executive (University of Louisville / Louisville, KY): Drive new sales and renewals for football and men’s basketball, manage 1,000+ accounts, deliver customer service, build relationships, and consistently meet sales and outreach goals. (DI) More details HERE.
Athletics Business Operations Manager, Administrator I (Sonoma State University / Rohnert Park, CA): The Athletics Business Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Athletics Business Office More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy & Social Media (University of Texas at Dallas / Richardson, TX): The Assistant Athletic Director for Creative Strategy and Social Media serves as the Athletics Department coordinator of game-day promotions, social media and marketing. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletics Director, Media Relations (William & Mary / Williamsburg, VA): Leads W&M Athletics Communications team in developing and executing strategies to enhance the department brand through proactive storytelling, disciplined messaging, and high-impact media operations. (DI) More details HERE.
Assistant Sports Media Relations Manager (Loyola Marymount University / Los Angeles, CA): The Assistant Sports Media Relations Manager supports and provides key information resources that promote student-athletes, coaches, teams, and LMU Athletics. (DI) More details HERE.
Senior Associate Athletic Director of Internal Operations (South Dakota Mines / Rapid City, SD): Provide leadership for NCAA Division II athletics operations, overseeing compliance, events, facilities, & student-athlete services while helping drive success across 13 varsity sports. More details HERE.
Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Game Operations (University of Missouri – St. Louis / St. Louis, MO): Opportunity to lead facilities and operations for a highly competitive NCAA Division II institution. More details HERE.
Assistant Tennis Coach (University of Missouri – St. Louis / St. Louis, MO): Opportunity to get hands-on experience with NCAA Division II tennis student-athletes! More details HERE.
Graduate Assistant - Men's Lacrosse (Colorado Mesa University / Grand Junction, CO): Graduate Assistant Opportunity with Men's Lacrosse at CMU. Assist in Game prep, recruitment, fundraising, etc. Must apply and be accepted to a CMU graduate program. More details HERE.