Utah State University named a former Aggie quarterback, Matt Wells, as the school's 27th head coach. He is also the incumbent offensive coordinator.
Utah State University Director of Athletics Scott Barnes called a press conference last week, where he introduced Wells as the head coach. He succeeds Gary Andersen, who resigned this month to join the University Wisconsin.
"I'm extremely honored and humbled to be the next head football coach at my alma mater," said Wells.
"This is a university that molded me as a student-athlete and I am fully invested and passionate about continuing the vision for this football program that was set before me. I would like to thank University President Stan Albrecht and Mr. Barnes for the trust, belief and vision they have in me to lead this program," he added.
The 39-year old Wells is now the 11th-youngest head coach at the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) level. Dating back to 1919, Wells is just the second Utah State graduate to be appointed its head football coach joining Chris Pella who graduated from USU in 1965 and coached the Aggies from 1983-85, the university said in a press release.
"We crafted our Football Excellence Plan four years ago in part to attract and retain top level assistants. Individuals who, if called upon, could grow into excellent head coaching candidates. Matt Wells has become our succession plan," said Barnes.
"With resources generated through the Merlin Olsen Fund we were able to bring Matt to USU. Matt's body of work as offensive coordinator has gained national attention and his significant contribution to our success over the past two years will be critical in providing continuity. Aggie football has gained national respect. Matt is simply the right leader at the right time to continue that progress," he added.
Wells has spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Utah State, including serving as the team's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach during the 2012 campaign. In 2011, Wells coached USU's quarterbacks and was the team's recruiting coordinator.
"We will continue to strive for excellence on the field, in the classroom and community, and continue the blueprint for success that has been established over the last few years. Our goal will be to compete for Mountain West Conference Championships and bowl championships on a yearly basis with young men that represent Cache Valley and Aggie Nation with the utmost class," Wells added.
