Tennessee Tech Inks Wilder to Extension Before Playoff Run

It’s been a busy week on the campus of Tennessee Tech. Not only are the Golden Eagles preparing for an opening round playoff game this Saturday, but behind the scenes in the athletic department business is getting done as well. A major part of that business got accomplished on Wednesday morning when the school announced that head coach Bobby Wilder had signed a contract extension and would remain with the program for the foreseeable future.

The move is a huge one for a TTU program that is making only its second ever postseason appearance. Wilder, who got the job prior to the 2024 season, has done a tremendous job rebuilding the Golden Eagles into a contender. Last season they won a share of the Big South-OVC title with a 6-2 league record and this year they won it outright, going 8-0 in conference play and 11-1 overall. It has been one of the best single seasons in school history for Tennessee Tech and the team appears poised to make some noise once the playoffs begin this Saturday.

Wilder, 61, previously served as Old Dominion’s head coach from 2009 to 2019 where he led the Monarchs to two playoff appearances and then saw them through their FBS transition where he guided them to a Bahamas Bowl win in 2016. Since joining the Golden Eagles, Wilder has complied a 18-6 overall record and has only lost two conference games. He was justly rewarded with the Big South-OVC Coach of the Year honor on Wednesday.

A large part of his success can be attributed to the moves him and his staff have made in the transfer portal. Big names like Kekoa Visperas, Quintel Quinn and Gavin Bryson are a few notable players Wilder was able to snag in the portal from fellow FCS programs this last offseason and all have been instrumental in the team’s success in 2025.

Wilder’s new contract will keep him with the team until 2030; an agreement that TTU athletic director Casey Fox is excited about.

“Under Coach Wilder, our team has created a momentum that has energized our university and our community,” said Fox. “It is an exciting time to be a Golden Eagle.”

The move comes before a season of notable change for Tennessee Tech as well. Starting in 2026, the Golden Eagles will be joining the SoCon and several planned facility upgrades are in the works as well. As for the here and now, Wilder and his team are preparing to host North Dakota on Saturday for the first of what they hope are several playoff games. The Golden Eagles and the Hawks kick off at 1:00 PM (ET) with the winner moving on to see Tarleton State.