On December 3, 2023, Boise State officially named Spencer Danielson as their full-time head football coach, following his role as interim head coach during which he led the Broncos to three consecutive victories and secured a Mountain West Conference Championship. Danielson is the 12th head coach in Boise State’s history as a four-year institution, pending final board approval.
Jeramiah Dickey, Boise State’s athletic director, expressed his confidence in Danielson’s leadership. “I’m excited to announce Spencer Danielson as the next head coach of Boise State football. What impressed me most wasn’t just the recent wins, but Spencer’s vision for the future. His passion for the job and commitment to developing our players are what convinced me he’s the right fit for our program. I’m grateful for our search committee’s efforts in making this crucial decision, and I’m confident Spencer’s leadership will guide Boise State football to new heights.”
Boise State President Dr. Marlene Tromp echoed this sentiment, praising Danielson’s positive influence on the team. “I’m thrilled to welcome Spencer as our next head coach. From our first meeting, it was clear he has a unique energy and deep care for our student-athletes. Bronco Nation has witnessed his leadership firsthand. He embodies the qualities we want in a leader, both on and off the field, and he will continue to make our football program a source of pride for the entire community.”
Danielson, grateful for the opportunity, said, “I’m deeply honored and excited to continue leading this incredible group of young men at Boise State. This program, and the Treasure Valley, have become home to my family and me. I’m thankful to Dr. Tromp and Jeramiah Dickey for trusting me to take this program forward. When we come together as a team and truly support each other, amazing things can happen. We’re just getting started.”
Danielson’s appointment follows his interim stint during the last three games of the season, where he led the team to victories, including a commanding win over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship Game. This achievement made him the first interim head coach in FBS history to lead his team to a conference championship title.
In those three games, Boise State’s offense averaged an impressive 38.7 points per game and over 460 yards of total offense. They outscored their opponents 116-49, culminating in a decisive 44-20 win over UNLV to secure the school’s fifth Mountain West title—more than any other school in the conference.
Several players stood out during the championship game. Quarterback Taylen Green was named Offensive MVP after amassing 316 total yards and an impressive 80% completion rate, both Boise State records in a championship game. On defense, Alexander Teubner earned Defensive MVP honors, leading the team with 10 tackles, including one for a loss, and recovering a fumble. Sophomore running back Ashton Jeanty, named the 2023 Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year, continued his dominant season with 153 rushing yards and a touchdown—his seventh 100-yard rushing game of the year.
Danielson has been with Boise State for seven seasons, including the last three as the team’s defensive coordinator. He initially joined the program as a graduate assistant in 2017, before being promoted to a full-time coaching role in 2018. Under his leadership, Boise State’s defense consistently ranked among the top in the Mountain West, allowing a conference-low 19 points per game in 2021.
This season, Boise State’s defense ranks 17th nationally in sacks, led by defensive lineman Ahmed Hassanein, who has recorded a sack in nine consecutive games, the longest active streak in the country. Additionally, sophomore punter James Ferguson-Reynolds leads the nation in punting, averaging nearly 50 yards per punt, which would place him sixth in NCAA history if the season ended today.
Danielson’s impact on Boise State’s defense has been profound. In 2022, the team’s defense ranked sixth in the nation, and in his first season as defensive coordinator, Boise State’s scoring defense was ranked 12th in the country, with the overall defense ranked 45th nationally.
Before joining Boise State, Danielson spent four seasons coaching at his alma mater, Azusa Pacific, where he worked with the linebackers and served as the team’s recruiting coordinator. His coaching talents were recognized early in his career when he was selected for the prestigious American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 30 Under 30 Coaches’ Leadership Institute in 2016, a testament to his potential and leadership in the coaching profession.
