Old Dominion University head football coach Bobby Wilder has received a new five-year contract through the 2017 football season, as announced this week by ODU Director of Athletics Dr. Wood Selig.
“Coach Wilder has been a dynamic and successful leader of ODU football since the University reinstated football five years ago,” says Selig. “This new contract is more reflective of FBS head coaching contracts with respect to length, compensation, and performance incentives. This new contract positions Coach Wilder to be compensated very competitively among his C-USA head coaching peers as we transition from FCS to FBS and C-USA. It also provides Coach Wilder and ODU with a measure of protection and stability during what will me a most challenging transition to the highest level of college football.”
Wilder has directed the Old Dominion football program since the sport was restarted on campus in 2009. Under his leadership, the Monarchs have been the most successful startup program in NCAA FCS history, posting a 38-10 record in four seasons, including two straight trips to the second round of the Football Championship Series playoffs in 2011 and 2012. The Monarchs are making the transition to the FBS level of competition, playing a mixed schedule of FBS and FCS opponents this season before joining Conference USA in 2014.
“I am very grateful to President John Broderick and athletic director Dr. Wood Selig for this new contract and for their confidence in me and the direction of our program,” says Wilder. “We are making a major move to the FBS level of football and Conference USA. The new contract reflects that new level of competition and I could not be more pleased with the commitment the University has demonstrated to me and my staff. We have enjoyed tremendous success in just four short years and the excitement around our program now is at an all-time high.”
“My family and I are invested in the Hampton Roads area and the University and I will continue to “aim high”, with the goal of making ODU and 12th Monarchs everywhere proud of our program,” Wilder adds.
This past year Wilder was named the American Football Monthly Coach of the Year as well as CaptainU Coach of the Year. The Monarchs also continued to be the hottest ticket in town, finishing fourth nationally in attendance with capacity crowds at all eight home contests and extending its streak to 29 consecutive sellouts at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke was also honored last year as the Walter Payton Award winner as the nation’s top FCS player.
“The fate of our football program is in the capable hands of Coach Wilder and I look forward to beginning our transition to FBS football this fall knowing Coach Wilder is solidly on board for the next five years,” adds Selig.
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