RICHMOND, Ky. – EKU has signed head football coach Walt Wells to a new four-year contract through the 2026 season, Vice President and Director of Athletics Matt Roan announced on Tuesday. Wells is entering his fourth season as head coach at EKU.

In 2022, the Colonels won the ASUN regular-season championship and reached the NCAA FCS Playoffs for the first time since 2014. EKU has been nationally ranked in each of the last two seasons. 

"I am extremely appreciative of the entire EKU administration for their support of our football program," said Wells. "I'm also tremendously grateful for our players and staff here at EKU. Their work and commitment has built a great foundation and we are excited to continue to build this program in a way that Colonel Football is always a 'Matter Of Pride.'"

EKU set a program record with 434 points scored during the 2022 season. The Colonels also led the ASUN in total offense, passing offense, team passing efficiency, third-down conversion percentage, kickoff return average, and defensive touchdowns. Four Colonels were named All-Americans and Wells repeated as ASUN Coach of the Year. 

"This new contract represents a commitment to the stability and investment needed for our football program to continue on its current upward trajectory," said Roan. "We are excited about the direction of EKU football and look forward to building on the momentum the program has created."

EKU earned its first win over an FBS opponent in eight years, defeating Bowling Green 59-57 on the road in seven overtimes. The Colonels are also 12-4 at home against FCS opponents in Wells' tenure. Nine different Colonels have been named All-ASUN performers in the last two seasons.