Louisiana regent calls for three FBS programs to drop to FCS amid mounting budget deficits
A member of the Louisiana Board of Regents urged Louisiana Tech, Louisiana, and Louisiana-Monroe to leave FBS competition and step down to the FCS level, citing growing financial losses at all three schools. According to the report, the deficits range from roughly ten million dollars at ULM to seventeen million at Louisiana Tech, with Louisiana carrying the largest shortfall at twenty million dollars. The regent also pointed to the gap between FBS and FCS coaching salaries as an area where costs could be brought under control. The University of Louisiana system has engaged consulting firm Deloitte to analyze its athletic programs and develop data-backed recommendations before any formal decisions are made.
Why it matters
For coaches: Coaching staffs at Louisiana Tech, Louisiana, and ULM face uncertainty as their programs weigh a potential drop in division, with salary levels likely to fall significantly at the FCS tier.
For media: A departure of three schools from the Sun Belt Conference's West division would substantially reshape the conference landscape and affect broadcast and scheduling arrangements.
For athletes: Student-athletes at these three schools could face a change in competitive level and scholarship structures if any program moves from FBS to FCS.
Read the full story at CBS Sports
Sources
- CBS Sports · Austin Nivison: State regent urges Louisiana Tech, Louisiana and Louisiana-Monroe to drop from FBS to FCS