UTEP announced on Monday the hiring of Scotty Walden as the Miners’ new head football coach. Walden has been the head coach at FCS Austin Peay for the last four seasons, going 26-4 (17-6) overall.
“We are thrilled to welcome Scotty, Callie and Luca Walden back home to the Lone Star State,” AD Jim Senter said. “He is one of the most innovative and energetic young coaches in the nation. He will put a product on the field that Miner fans will love to watch. His teams are characterized by fast-paced and high-scoring offenses and opportunistic defenses. He did a remarkable job establishing the team culture at Austin Peay, guiding a group of fine young men and building a championship program in a very short period of time. We can’t be more excited to launch a new era of Miner Football.”
Walden is a native of Cleburne, Texas, and played several different schools, including D-III Hardin-Simmons (TX) and Sul Ross State (TX), starting his coaching career at the latter as offensive coordinator in 2012. Having just turned 34 last month, Walden is the youngest head coach in Conference USA and the second youngest in all of FBS.
“Miner Nation, my family and I are beyond thankful and blessed for the opportunity to lead the UTEP Miner Football program!” Walden said. “Thank you, Dr. Heather Wilson and Director of Athletics Jim Senter for their belief in me and our vision for Miner Football. Callie, Luca and I look forward to developing meaningful relationships with the great people of El Paso and being involved in the community. We are committed to bringing El Paso, Texas a football program that they can be proud of, both on and off the field. We are going to bring a brand of football to UTEP that is Fearless, Fast and Physical! We have the greatest stadium in Group of Five Football in the Sun Bowl, and we look forward to having YOU there to make it the best environment in college football! God Bless and Go Miners!”
UTEP parted ways with previous head coach Dana Dimel last month after six seasons with just one winning season and bowl appearance.
credit to Austin Peay Athletics for the image
