Dec 18, 2021; Inglewood, CA, USA; Utah State Aggies head coach Blake Anderson reacts during the second half of the 2021 LA Bowl against the Oregon State Beavers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Utah State abruptly fired head coach Blake Anderson about three weeks ago for unspecified Title IX violations. On Friday, the school provided more information on the matter.

In a letter notifying Anderson of his termination, university officials alleged that Anderson was fired for attempting to personally investigate the circumstances surrounding a player’s arrest for domestic violence, via ESPN’s Dan Murphy and Adam Rittenberg. The termination letter alleged that Anderson contacted the girlfriend and roommate of a Utah State football player in April 2023 after learning that the player had been arrested for an alleged domestic violence incident. Anderson had said he was on a “fact-finding mission” to determine whether further disciplinary action against the player was warranted.

The letter accused Anderson of investigating the incident himself without reporting it to university authorities. In addition, Anderson “very egregiously” collected written statements from the potential victim and witness while a criminal investigation was already underway.

Anderson, through an attorney, denied ever contacting or interviewing the player’s girlfriend. The coach has dismissed the allegations as the result of a “sham investigation” and has threatened legal action against the school to get the buyout money he is owed.

Anderson posted a 23-17 record in three seasons at Utah State and led the team to three bowl appearances in as many years.