Matt Walker, a highly successful coach, was recently named the head football coach at Drake University. This decision was announced by Athletics Director Brian Hardin on February 22.
Walker comes to Drake after 15 years of coaching at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he achieved significant milestones. Under his leadership, the Falcons won the NCAA Division III National Championship in 2025 and recorded a program-best 14 wins. This was a remarkable turnaround for a team that hadn’t made the national playoffs since 1996.
During his time at UW-River Falls, Walker not only led the team to its first conference title since 1985 but also earned accolades such as D3football.com Coach of the Year and WIAC Coach of the Year multiple times. His teams consistently ranked among the top in total and scoring offense, averaging an impressive 42.4 points per game over the last five seasons.
In his own words, Walker expressed his excitement about joining the Drake family. He aims to build on the university’s football tradition while making the transition smooth for current players. Walker emphasized the importance of coaching as a relationship-building process, stating, “Coaching is about the transformational experience you receive when a coach loves you.”
Prior to his success at UW-River Falls, Walker coached at Butler University and DePauw University, where he also led the baseball team to five divisional championships. His diverse coaching background reflects his ability to connect with athletes across multiple sports.
Experts in the field have praised Walker’s coaching philosophy. Brad Stevens, president of the Boston Celtics, noted Walker’s knack for creating a supportive culture and his profound respect from players and staff. Similarly, Joe Schoen, general manager of the New York Giants, highlighted Walker’s leadership qualities and work ethic as key factors in his coaching success.
As Walker steps into his new role, he brings not just a strong track record but also a deep commitment to his players’ development and success both on and off the field. His official welcome is set for March 1 at a press conference, where he will engage with Bulldog fans during a men’s basketball game.
The football community is eager to see how Walker’s leadership will shape the future of Drake football. His proven ability to turn struggling programs into champions could very well set the stage for a new era at the university.
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