Former Colorado State football coach Steve Addazio now works at ESPN.
Addazio was CSU’s coach for 16 games over two seasons. ESPN announced his hire Friday “as a college football analyst who will call games across ESPN platforms.”
He went 4-12 in 2020-21 combined, and was fired following the 2021 season. His final season ended with six straight losses and his ejection before halftime in the final game, a 52-10 loss at home to Nevada. Nevada was coached by Jay Norvell, who was hired by CSU shortly after.
Addazio was hired by CSU in December 2019 after being let go at Boston College.
It was a tumultuous two years for Addazio at CSU. The COVID-19 pandemic hit shortly after his hire and football operations shut down in the middle of his first spring practice early in 2020.
Complaints from members of the football program regarding alleged violations of COVID-19 protocols and racial insensitivity prompted an investigation into the football program and athletic department later in 2020. That investigation did not substantiate many of the claims, but set in motion a university plan to address anti-retaliation measures and conflict resolution in its athletics program.
An internal CSU investigation said Addazio “likely” made a racially insensitive comment and a statement that indirectly threatened a custodian’s job during an October 2020 altercation.
Addazio was head coach at Boston College and Temple prior to CSU and is 61-67 overall. Prior to his time as a head coach he served as an assistant at Florida (offensive coordinator and offensive line), Indiana (offensive coordinator and offensive line), Notre Dame (tight ends and special teams) and Syracuse (offensive line).
Addazio spent two seasons as the offensive line coach at Texas A&M after being let go by CSU.
“We are excited to welcome Steve Addazio to our talented roster of analysts,” ESPN vice president of production Amanda Gifford said in a news release. “Steve’s vast experience and enthusiasm for college football make him a perfect fit for our coverage and we look forward to having him join us in the booth this fall.”
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Former Colorado State football coach Steve Addazio hired as ESPN analyst
The Coloradoan
