Coach Wilder led his 11-1 team to the Ohio Valley Conference-Big South regular-season title
Tennessee Tech University and Head Football Coach Bobby Wilder have agreed on a new five-year contract.
Coach Wilder led his 11-1 team to the Ohio Valley Conference-Big South regular-season title, earning the right to host an FCS-playoff game and gaining national attention as a championship contender. Wilder is now under contract through 2030.
“Under Coach Wilder, our team has created a momentum that has energized our university and our community,” said Tech Director of Athletics Casey Fox. “It is an exciting time to be a Golden Eagle.”
On the same day Wilder signed his new contract, he was named AFCA Region 2 Coach of the Year. Wilder also earned the OVC-Big South Coach of the Year award. This season, the Golden Eagles set program records in points scored (482), touchdowns (65), rushing touchdowns (32), total offense (5,119 yards), second in sacks (45), and fewest total rushing yards allowed (913).
The Golden Eagles scored the most points in a single game in modern program history (72 vs. Davidson) and finished 8-0 in conference play for the first time in program history. Also, started the season 10-0 and posted the longest winning streak (15 games) in Tennessee Tech football history.
“I am grateful for the commitment from President Oldham and Athletic Director Fox,” Wilder said. “We won back-to-back OVC Championships with a 14-2 record in conference and an 18-6 overall record in our first two years. Our program goal is to continue to ‘aim high’ in everything we do as people, students and athletes.
“We have a collective vision to build a consistent winning program that competes for Southern Conference Championships and National Championships. Every person associated with our team is focused on the process of winning.”
The new contract is just one of many forward-looking developments for Tech football. Progress continues on the new, re-envisioned Tucker Stadium and other major sports facility building projects. At the same time, university teams anticipate a move to the Southern Conference in 2026.
“Last year, Coach Wilder ushered in a new era of Tech football. This year, he turned potential into an exciting reality,” added Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham. “His team won with determination, tenacity and toughness.
“We know that a successful football program is a university’s front porch for engaging students, fans and the community. Coach Wilder has made our front porch a fun and winning place to be.”
Wilder was hired in Dec. 2023 as Tech football’s 13th head coach, bringing his “Aim High” philosophy.
Photo by Thomas Corhern.
Other stories you may want to check out:
