https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/college/io... /

Looks like Western Michigan has already started this process with the hiring and salary of the new basketball coach.

ISU just the start. There may be a major change in the emphasis and compensation levels of athletic programs going forward. If you thought that some faculties were outraged at monies thrown towards athletics and the high profile men’s coaches salaries before, what till the dust settles after the pandemic.The “new” normal may become unrecognizable, especially for already underfunded and student fee dependent universities that prop up such athletic programs.

Coupled with the well stated declining attendance by the students bordering on near apathy for these athletic events, I would not be at all surprised if we will be experiencing a completely different landscape as it pertains to collegiate athletics post pandemic.

That's not exactly accurate.

This story has been all over the wrestling boards since it broke yesterday.

From ODU's wrestling site:

"The decision in part developed from the findings of a 6 month study of the athletics program by an outside consultant.
The comprehensive report reviewed the national college sports landscape,identified current and future financial challenges and evaluated Title IX compliance,which led to the recommendation to discontinue a varsity sport."

You can read the whole story:
http://www.odusports.com/news/2020/4/2/odu-discontinues-w...

ODU decided to drop their D1 wrestling program,which was borderline top 25.
They decided to go ahead with women's volleyball,even though they aren't planning on fielding a team till this fall.

Covid was just a convenient rationale.