Athletic Director Jim Bartko has a tough job ahead of him as he tries to implement his vision for the athletic department. Bartko has been with the school since Jan. 1, 2015, and immediately made an impact. The Bulldog Stadium renovation project is now underway. The football team is off to a rough start, and game attendance is low. Football drives the department financially, and it is an inopportune time for poor ticket sales given the expected $60 million cost for the stadium renovations.
Head football coach Tim DeRuyter is in his fifth season in charge, but it is looking more likely each week that the team will suffer its third consecutive losing season.