Hold onto your helmets, because Drake University just made a game-changing move in college football! Matt Walker, a coaching powerhouse known for transforming underdogs into champions, has been named the new head football coach at Drake. But here’s where it gets exciting: Walker isn’t just any coach—he’s a national championship winner, a two-time NCAA Division III Coach of the Year, and the mastermind behind one of the most explosive offenses in college football history. On February 22, Athletics Director Brian Hardin announced Walker’s hiring, marking a bold step forward for the Bulldogs. But here’s the part most people miss: Walker’s success isn’t just about winning games; it’s about building a culture of respect, hard work, and love for the game. And this is where the controversy begins: Can Walker replicate his Division III magic in the FCS ranks? Only time will tell.
Walker arrives at Drake after a remarkable 15-year tenure at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he capped off his time with the ultimate achievement: leading the Falcons to their first-ever NCAA Division III National Championship in 2025. Under his guidance, UWRF set a program record with 14 wins, secured their first national playoff berth since 1996, and claimed their first-ever national title. But that’s not all—2025 also saw UWRF win their first outright Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) championship since 1985. Walker’s accolades include being named D3football.com Coach of the Year and WIAC Coach of the Year twice, as well as Hansen Rating National Coach of the Year in 2021 after a nine-win season.
‘We are thrilled to welcome Matt Walker and his family to Drake and Des Moines,’ Hardin said. ‘Matt took a program that was consistently at the bottom of its conference and turned it into one of the nation’s best. His ability to identify and develop talent will be a game-changer for us. I can’t wait to see how high he’ll take our team.’
Since 2021, Walker has amassed a 44-13 record, including back-to-back Isthmus Bowl titles, and consistently ranked his teams among the nation’s offensive leaders. Over the past five seasons, his teams have led the WIAC in total offense and scoring offense every year, averaging a staggering 42.4 points per game. Three times since 2021, the Falcons ranked in the top four nationally in total offense. Walker’s coaching prowess extends beyond the field: he’s mentored over 140 All-WIAC players, 13 All-Region honorees, six All-Americans, and Kaleb Blaha, the 2025 Gagliardi Trophy winner and Division III’s most outstanding player. Five of his players also earned the prestigious Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete Award.
‘I am incredibly honored and blessed to join the Drake Family,’ Walker said. ‘I want to thank Athletics Director Brian Hardin and Senior Associate Athletics Director Jay Brummel for their faith in me. I’m excited to build on Drake’s rich football tradition and connect with the players, fans, and community. I know coaching changes are tough on players, but I’m committed to making this transition smooth and working together to win another conference title.’
Before UWRF, Walker served as an offensive assistant at Butler University in 2010, coaching tight ends. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade at DePauw University, where he coached running backs and wide receivers before becoming head coach from 2006-09, leading the Tigers to a 22-8 record. Walker’s talents weren’t limited to football—he also served as DePauw’s head baseball coach from 2001-09, winning five divisional championships and an NCAA regional berth in 2001. He holds a bachelor’s in Sports Science from DePauw and a master’s in physical education from Indiana State, where he earned Phi Kappa Phi academic honors.
‘I’m also grateful to River Falls, the UWRF athletic department, and the Falcons’ players and staff,’ Walker added. ‘They’ll always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to cheer them on under Jake Wissing’s leadership.’
Walker and his wife, Jana, have four children: daughters Kraly and Hudson, and sons Townsend and Sullivan. Drake will officially welcome Walker at a press conference on March 1 in the Paul Morrison Room, followed by an introduction to Bulldog fans at the men’s basketball game that afternoon.
What They’re Saying About Matt Walker
Brad Stevens, Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations, praised Walker’s ability to build a culture of respect and love for the game, calling him a ‘difference-maker.’ Joe Schoen, New York Giants General Manager, recalled Walker’s leadership and football IQ from their college days, predicting he’ll bring greatness to Drake. JaMarcus Shephard, Oregon State’s head football coach, highlighted Walker’s transformative coaching style and his ability to connect with players on a personal level. Lance Leipold, University of Kansas head coach, and Jeff McMartin, Central College head coach, both lauded Walker’s leadership and passion, predicting a bright future for Drake football.
But here’s the question: Can Matt Walker’s success at the Division III level translate to the FCS? Will his offensive genius and player-centric approach elevate Drake to new heights, or will the transition prove more challenging than expected? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one coaching move that’s sure to spark debate!
