Boise State Athletics
Chris and Barbara Petersen become 350th Lyle Smith Society Members
10/1/2026 9:15:00 AM | Football, General, Bronco Athletic Association
Petersen's legacy continues to impact Bronco Athletics
BOISE, Idaho – Former Boise State head football coach Chris Petersen and his wife, Barbara, have joined the Lyle Smith Society as its 350th members, extending Petersen's impact on Boise State Athletics well beyond his coaching career.
The Lyle Smith Society, the premier philanthropic giving society of the Bronco Athletic Association, was established in December 2020 to provide transformational support for Boise State's student-athletes, programs and facilities. Since its inception, Lyle Smith Society members have contributed more than $80 million to Boise State Athletics.
"Coach Pete changed the trajectory of Boise State Athletics," said Boise State Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey. "He helped establish a standard of excellence, built a culture rooted in relationships, and developed a program that earned national respect while never losing sight of what makes Boise State special. He showed us all what it means to be a Bronco. We are grateful for his continued belief in Boise State and for helping us ensure the next generation of Broncos has the opportunity to build on the legacy he helped create. What's Next!"
During his eight seasons as head coach, he led Boise State to a 92-12 record (.885 winning percentage), two undefeated seasons, five conference championships and eight consecutive bowl appearances. His teams consistently competed among the nation's best while maintaining a commitment to academic achievement and the development of student-athletes.
In 2011, Boise State was the only school in the nation to finish in the top 10 of both the Coaches' Poll (No. 6) and AP Poll (No. 8) while also receiving an NCAA Public Recognition Award for ranking among the top 10 percent nationally in Academic Progress Rate. The Broncos tied for the second-highest APR in the country in both 2011 and 2012.
"Boise State has meant an incredible amount to me and to my family," said former Boise State head football coach Chris Petersen. "I was fortunate to be part of something very special here, but what I value most when I look back are the people, the players, coaches, staff, alumni and fans who made this place what it is today."
Petersen's teams also produced some of the most celebrated moments in Boise State history.
The 2007 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma put the Broncos on the national stage, as Boise State defeated the seventh-ranked Sooners 43-42 in overtime in a game that has become one of the most iconic in college football history. Three years later, Petersen led Boise State to another BCS victory, a 17-10 win over TCU in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl.
His teams reached as high as No. 2 in the national rankings, the highest ranking in Boise State's FBS history at the time, while six of his eight Boise State teams finished the season ranked in the top 25 and five finished in the top 10.
Petersen also helped establish a pipeline to the next level. During his Boise State tenure, 18 Broncos were selected in the NFL Draft, including a school-record six in 2012. He mentored quarterback Kellen Moore, the first Heisman Trophy finalist in Boise State history, and coached 12 All-Americans who combined for 45 honors.
His coaching accomplishments have earned national recognition throughout his career. Petersen is the only two-time recipient of the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award, earning the honor in 2006 and 2009. He was unanimously selected as the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year in 2010 and earned numerous conference and regional coach of the year honors.
In 2025, Petersen was announced as a member of the 2026 Boise State Hall of Fame. Earlier this year, he was selected for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first Boise State football coach to receive the honor.
Now, Petersen is helping write the next chapter.
"I'm incredibly proud of what this program has become and excited about where it is going. The standard that was established here belongs to all of us, and I want to do my part to help ensure that future Broncos have the resources, experience, and opportunities to carry that standard forward."
Named after the longtime Boise State coach and athletic director, the Lyle Smith Society's goal is to increase philanthropic revenues for Boise State Athletics, supporting operational needs and capital priorities. Funds from the society position Bronco student-athletes for greater success in the classroom, in competition, and in life after graduation.
"As the newest members of the Lyle Smith Society, the Petersons have once again shown us what dedication truly looks like," said Argia Beristain, CEO of the Boise State University Foundation. "Their continued philanthropy and generosity ensure their care for Boise State student-athletes and Athletics will continue for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing support of Boise State."
Membership in the Lyle Smith Society begins with a minimum pledge of $50,000 over five years or an annual cash gift of $50,000 or more. Members can designate their support to the area of Boise State Athletics that matters most to them. Giving opportunities include the Bronco Nation Fund, Women's Sports Fund, Sports Enhancement Funds, endowments, capital projects, BroncoLife, and Sports Performance, Health and Wellness.
Visit Lyle Smith Society to help ensure the future of Boise State Athletics and leave a legacy as a member of Bronco Nation.
The Broncos will celebrate Coach Petersen's 2006 Boise State team and the 20th Anniversary of the 2007 Fiesta Bowl during Saturday's game versus Utah State.
About Boise State Athletic Association (BAA)
The BAA spearheads fundraising for Boise State Athletics. It provides the support and resources Boise State student-athletes need to succeed in the classroom, community, and competition. BAA members are essential to creating a first-class student-athlete experience. A BAA member contributes philanthropically to the Bronco Nation Fund, sport-specific enhancement funds, endowments or capital projects, and the Built Different Initiative. Non-seat-related contributions, including gifts to Bronco Nation Fund, sport-specific enhancement funds, capital projects, and endowments, are considered charitable donations to a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at Bronco Athletic Association.
About the Boise State University Foundation
A nonprofit Idaho organization, the Boise State University Foundation was established in 1964 to empower Boise State University with the resources necessary to thrive. The Foundation provides fundraising leadership and service across the university and partners with donors and alumni to inspire private support. To learn more about the Foundation, visit boisestate.edu/giving.
About Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University
From groundbreaking research to expanded opportunities for the best and brightest students, Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University advances key priorities at the university level and for each college, school, unit, and Athletics to meet the unique challenges of our time. The Unbridled campaign focuses on three key pillars: student access and success, relentless faculty innovation, and positioning athletics for what's next. For more information on Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University, visit unbridled.boisestate.edu.
