The Freedom From Religion Foundation on Thursday released a statement criticizing Boise State football for what it calls "unconstitutional religious coercion" under head coach Spencer Danielson.
FFRF has filed a complaint with Boise State's general counsel claiming that Danielson has violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government institutions from forcing participation in a religious belief or activity. "Danielson’s insensitive comments send a clear message that participation in the football program is tied to religious belief — an exclusionary and unconstitutional stance that alienates non-Christian and nonreligious athletes," the release said.
Of course, Danielson himself is also protected by the First Amendment, and generally such cases targeting coaches for expressing their personal beliefs in a work setting have not gone well.
The most famous case came against a Washington high school assistant coach, who was reinstated to his job and awarded a $1.775 million settlement after the US Supreme Court ruled in his favor when his school district fired him for refusing to stop participating in post-game prayers with players.
“The Constitution and the best of our traditions counsel mutual respect and tolerance, not censorship and suppression, for religious and nonreligious views alike,” Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the majority in a 6-3 decision.
Danielson, 36, started at Boise State as a graduate assistant in 2017. He was promoted to defensive ends coach in 2018, to co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach in 2019, to defensive coordinator in 2021, and then to interim head coach in 2023. After winning his first three games as the interim, Boise State appointed Danielson as its full-time head coach in December 2023 and led the Broncos to a 12-2 record with a Mountain West championship and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024.
He regularly opens interviews by praising Jesus Christ, including following his team's most recent game, a loss to Penn State in the CFP quarterfinals. "No matter what -- win, lose or draw -- I'm always going to give Jesus the glory," he said.
Later in that same press conference, Danielson uttered the quote that likely inspired the FFRF to file its complaint. "We want to be a light on a hill that's going to do football different at Boise State. Doesn't mean it fits everybody, doesn't mean it's perfect. We're going to do it different. It's going to be based on love. It's going to be based on giving Jesus the glory," he said. "If people don't like that, don't come here."
In fact, the FFRF clipped that quote and uploaded it to its YouTube channel on Thursday.
“The coach is not only placing a Christian litmus test on potential and current student players, which is illegal, but is overtly saying nonreligious or non-Christian students are not welcome at this public university,” adds FFRF Co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor. “University officials need to rein him in immediately before he does any more damage.”
The foundation wants Boise State to "make it clear" Danielson's comments do not reflect official policy and affirm that "all students, regardless of faith or nonbelief, are reassured they are welcome and valued members of the Boise State community.."
FootballScoop has reached out to Boise State for comment, and will update if we hear back.
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