Boise State fires football coach Andy Avalos in third season

Field Level Media|published: Sun 12th November, 13:49 2023

Oct 22, 2022; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Boise State Broncos head coach Andy Avalos looks on in the first quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Stadium. credits: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Boise State fired football coach Andy Avalos on Sunday with two games left in the regular season.

Defensive coordinator Spencer Danielson will lead the team as interim head coach for the rest of the season.

"I am grateful for the passion, effort and dedication Andy has given to our community and his alma mater while serving as our head coach," athletic director Jeramiah Dickey said in a statement announcing the coaching change. "Andy will always be a Bronco and we wish him and his family all the best in their next steps."

The school said a national search for Avalos' replacement would begin right away.

According to the USA Today college football salaries report, Avalos is owed a buyout of nearly $3.3 million.

Avalos was a team captain and all-conference linebacker during his playing career (2000-04) at Boise State. He was hired on Jan. 9, 2021, to replace Bryan Harsin, who went to Auburn.

At the time of his hiring, Avalos was the defensive coordinator at Oregon.

The 42-year-old Avalos leaves the Broncos with a 22-14 overall record, including 5-5 (4-2 Mountain West Conference) this season. He was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year in 2022 after the Broncos finished 10-4.

The Broncos lost at least four games each season, however, under Avalos. In the span between 2002 and his arrival in 2021, they lost four games or more three times.

Boise State defeated New Mexico 42-14 on Saturday and still could win the MWC title.

The Broncos close the season with games at Utah State next Saturday and against Air Force on Nov. 24.

Avalos was one of two FBS coaches fired Sunday. Texas A&M also relieved Jimbo Fisher of his duties.

—Field Level Media