As Old Dominion gets set to embark on its second season at the FBS level, its head football coach will have a little bit of additional security. Well, at least in theory he will.
Monday, ODU athletic director Dr. Wood Selig announced Bobby Wilder has agreed to a one-year contract extension. In its press release, the school explained that the new agreement, which will push the coach’s contract through Dec. 31, 2019, “marks the second-consecutive, one-year roll-over for Wilder, whose original five-year contract runs from 2013-2017.”
“ODU football continues to make significant and successful strides both academically and athletically under the dynamic leadership of head coach Bobby Wilder,” Selig said in a statement. “Additionally, our student-athletes and coaches continue to give back to the community in numerous positive ways that assist our local area and contribute to the popularity, support and growth of ODU football. Coach Wilder is a proven winner on and off the field. The entire region is fortunate to have him directing our football program.”
In June of 2005, ODU’s board voted unanimously to restart its football program. In February of 2007, Wilder, then the head coach at Maine, was introduced as the Monarchs’ head coach.
In its first five years as an FCS program under Wilder, ODU went 46-14 and twice qualified for a playoff berth. In 2014, as a first-year member of Conference USA, the Monarchs went 6-6.
“I am honored to receive this extension from Old Dominion University. Since the day I was hired on February 12, 2007 I have considered it a privilege to be the head coach of this program. Together we have built a program that has represented the University and the community in a first class manner,” Wilder said. “The achievement I am most proud of has nothing to do with wins and losses. In the fall of 2014 we finished second in C-USA in team grade point average out of 14 teams. I am grateful for the tremendous support from President Broderick and Athletic Director Selig.”