A Champion Coach Steps Up: Matt Walker's Journey to Drake University
In a thrilling announcement, Matt Walker, a renowned head coach with an impressive track record, has been appointed as the new head football coach at Drake University. This move has sparked excitement and anticipation among sports enthusiasts and football fans alike.
But here's where it gets controversial: Walker, a two-time NCAA Division III national coach of the year, is leaving his mark on the FCS ranks after an incredible 15-season tenure at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His legacy at UWRF is nothing short of extraordinary, having led the team to unprecedented heights.
In 2025, Walker's Falcons achieved the ultimate goal, claiming the NCAA Division III National Championship. This remarkable feat was accompanied by a program record of 14 wins and the team's first national playoff berth since 1996. Additionally, UW-River Falls secured its first outright Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) championship since 1985, solidifying Walker's impact on the program.
Following this historic season, Walker was recognized as the D3football.com Coach of the Year and the WIAC Coach of the Year, an honor he received for the second time in his career. His success continued in 2021, earning him WIAC Coach of the Year accolades and the prestigious Hansen Rating National Coach of the Year title.
"We are absolutely delighted to have Matt Walker and his family join the Drake community," said Brian Hardin, Drake's Athletics Director. "Matt's ability to transform a struggling program into one of the nation's best is a testament to his coaching prowess. His talent for identifying and nurturing young athletes will undoubtedly benefit Drake, and we eagerly anticipate the heights he will reach with our team."
Since 2021, Walker has maintained an impressive overall record of 44-13, including back-to-back Isthmus Bowl titles. His teams consistently ranked among the national offensive leaders, dominating the WIAC in total offense and scoring offense for the past five seasons.
Under Walker's guidance, the Falcons averaged an impressive 42.4 points per game over the last five seasons. His impact on the players is evident, with over 140 athletes achieving All-WIAC status, 13 earning All-Region honors, and six becoming All-Americans. The 2025 Gagliardi Trophy winner, Kaleb Blaha, is a testament to Walker's ability to nurture outstanding talent.
"I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to become a part of the Drake Family," Walker expressed. "I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Athletics Director Brian Hardin and Senior Associate Athletics Director Jay Brummel for their unwavering support and belief in me to lead this program. I am eager to build upon Drake Football's rich tradition and contribute to Bulldog Athletics' success. My family and I are excited to immerse ourselves in the Drake community and get to work. My heart goes out to the players here at Drake who are experiencing another coaching change. It's not an easy journey, but I am committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for them, getting to know them, and working together to achieve our goal of winning another conference title."
Prior to his time at UWRF, Walker gained valuable experience as an offensive assistant at Pioneer Football League rival Butler University in 2010, where he coached the Bulldogs' tight ends. His coaching journey also includes a stint at DePauw University in Indiana, where he coached running backs and wide receivers from 2000 to 2005 before becoming the head coach from 2006 to 2009. In his three seasons as DePauw's head coach, Walker led the Tigers to an impressive 22-8 record.
Walker's impact extended beyond the gridiron, as he also served as DePauw's head baseball coach from 2001 to 2009. On the baseball diamond, he guided his teams to five divisional championships and an NCAA regional berth in 2001. His success in baseball is notable, as he became one of the youngest coaches in college baseball history to reach 250 wins.
Walker's educational background is equally impressive. He earned his bachelor's degree in Sports Science from DePauw in 1999 and followed it up with a master's in physical education from Indiana State in 2001, achieving Phi Kappa Phi academic status.
"I also want to express my gratitude to the town of River Falls, Wisconsin, the UWRF athletic department, and the current players and staff at the Falcons," Walker added. "A part of my heart will always remain there, and I am eager to be their biggest fan under the leadership of Jake Wissing, who has been by my side for all 15 years. I have no doubt that they will achieve amazing things, and I look forward to following their journey towards another national title."
Matt and his wife, Jana, have a loving family, including two daughters, Kraly and Hudson, and two sons, Townsend and Sullivan.
Drake University will officially welcome Walker with an introductory press conference on Sunday, March 1, in the Paul Morrison Room. Walker's availability will begin at 12:30 pm, followed by his introduction to Bulldog fans at the Drake men's basketball game that afternoon.
What They're Saying About Matt Walker
"We are overjoyed for Matt and his family. I've known Matt for 30 years, and he has always been a competitor, an innovator, and an exceptional leader. When I visited him this year at River Falls, it wasn't just their offense or defense that impressed me, but the genuine love and respect between the players, coaches, and staff. Matt has created an incredible culture, built on hard work, fearlessness, and a deep love for the game. In my opinion, he has unlocked the secrets to success, and I know he is eager to lead the Bulldog football program to new heights." -- Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations
"I had the privilege of being Matt Walker's teammate and later playing under him as a coach, and I can confidently say that no one is surprised by his national championship win. Even in college, it was evident that he was destined for greatness as a football coach. His football IQ, relentless work ethic, and ability to connect with and lead people set him apart. Any program fortunate enough to have Matt Walker as their head coach will experience an absolute game-changer." -- Joe Schoen, New York Giants General Manager
"In the midst of grieving the loss of one of my most prominent players, Rondale Moore, this message serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of coaches staying connected with their players. Matt Walker is someone who has remained in touch with me for the past 24 years, and the longevity of our relationship proves that coaching is so much more than just X's and O's. It's about the transformative experience of being loved by a coach. Coach Walker is someone who is deeply loved by his players, and they would run through a brick wall for him. Expect nothing but greatness and a new standard at Drake University with your new head football coach, Matt Walker." -- JaMarcus Shephard, Oregon State University head football coach
"Congratulations to Matt Walker on accepting the head coaching position at Drake University. Matt has consistently demonstrated his exceptional ability to rebuild and lead the UW-River Falls football program, culminating in their Division III national championship this season. He is a proven leader and role model, and I have no doubt that he will continue to write the next chapter of Bulldog Football with excellence." -- Lance Leipold, University of Kansas head football coach
"Coach Walker and Drake University are a perfect match. I have no doubt that Matt will continue to build upon the legacy of Bulldog football. His passion, knowledge, and competitive spirit are unparalleled. Matt has the unique ability to inspire his team to play with belief, focus, and freedom, which leads to success. Coach Walker excels at developing players both on and off the field, and it will be exciting to see him take his leadership to new heights." -- Jeff McMartin, Central College head football coach
