ESPN College Football

Barnett was reinstated officially in late May, bringing an end to a three-month paid suspension that raised questions about whether head coaches should be held responsible for the behavior of their players and recruits. Tharp also survived, saving his job by accepting a series of conditions that limits his power. Tharp now has to report to provost Phil DeStefano, the university's chief academic officer. A new governing board, made up in part by faculty members, also will oversee and advise the athletic department.

"To the degree that a 'good old boys club' still exists within the athletic department, those days are over," Hoffman said.

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