A university statement Tuesday morning announced that the Sun Belt Conference would decline a contract extension to the Vandal football program as a conference member.
“We are disappointed by the Sun Belt’s decision,” said University of Idaho President Chuck Staben. “But we are optimistic about the options before us and we are continuing to diligently consider our future affiliation as an opportunity to find the stability and full participation we have not experienced in the Sun Belt. We will make a decision in the coming months.”
The University of Idaho initially joined the Sun Belt as a football-only member from 2001-2004, before leaving to join the Western Athletic Conference. The Vandals rejoined the conference in 2014 as part of a four-year contract extension.
The Sun Belt Conference was expected to vote on the topic of a contract extension during a meeting with league presidents March 10. Staben said the decision came 10 days early.
“This was a strategic decision that was reached following a thorough and complete review of our options,” said Sun Belt Conference President Denise Trauth. “The Sun Belt’s Presidents and Chancellors strongly believe it is in the best interest of the conference to have a core membership of 10 football teams that are geographically located within the ‘footprint’ of the conference and that these 10 members also compete in all conference sports.
Staben said the university will evaluate whether to accept a football invitation to the Big Sky Conference or play an independent schedule during the fall 2018 season.
“The University of Idaho will continue to assess how to provide the best experience for our student-athletes and fans,” Staben said. “Football is an important part of the college experience. A strong, stable athletic program complements the university’s great academic programs, enhances the student experience and engages our alumni and fans.”
The Argonaut and Vandal Nation will continue to cover this story.