While not unexpected, the Boise State Broncos have moved to fire head coach Andy Avalos after a disappointing 2023 season. The Broncos, who sat at 5-5 at the time of the firing, had constructed a 4-2 record in the Mountain West yet had been met with underachieving lofty expectations.
What’s next for Avalos, and what led to his departure from Boise?
Boise State Fires Andy Avalos
The Broncos entered the 2023 season on the heels of a 10-4 regular season in 2022 and aspirations of another berth in the Mountain West Championship Game. Amid those expectations, the goal was clear: Dominate on defense with the defensive-minded Avalos leading the way, and outscore opponents in doing so.
Yet, through 10 games, Boise State was a middle-of-the-pack defense and their offense had many questions without answers.
As such, Avalos was dismissed from his role as head coach. ESPN’s Pete Thamel first reported the news.
Avalos Tenure at Boise State
Avalos entered the picture at Boise State after serving as the defensive coordinator at Oregon. He compiled an impressive track record on the recruiting trail and an even more of impressive record of developing talent while at Oregon.
Though likely impossible to repeat that kind of success at Boise State, the goals were clearly unmet.
Avalos held a 22-14 record as the head coach at Boise State and a 17-6 Mountain West record. He won the Mountain West Coach of the Year title in 2022, which wasn’t enough to keep him from the hot seat in 2023.
Previously a defensive coordinator with the Broncos before joining Oregon, Avalos’ next stop will be an interesting development to watch through this year’s offseason coaching carousel. He has ties to Colorado, Oregon, and even FCS power Sacramento State.
It remains to be seen who will take over on an interim basis through the final two regular season games for Boise State.