UWRF football Head Coach Matt Walker resigned from his role Sunday night, taking a head coach position at the Division I FCS level at Drake in Des Moines, Iowa.

"I'm not sure there are words to properly explain how much I love River Falls and how much I appreciate everything it has given me and my family," Walker stated in a UWRF press release. "I've given everything I had to UWRF and feel good about leaving it in a better place than we found it. None of this could have happened without great administrative leadership, my incredible coaching staff, and obviously our student-athletes. We have truly created a family here."

Walker started as UWRF’s head coach in 2011, building from three total wins over his first three seasons to 14-1 NCAA Division III National Champions in the 2025 season.

"I would like to thank Coach Walker for his commitment to Falcon athletics and the football program," UWRF Athletics Director Crystal Lanning stated in the school’s press release. "Over the past 15 years, he worked tirelessly to improve all areas of the program including the team culture, academic performance, and on-field competitiveness. He created a culture of pride and excellence within the team, and reengaged generations of Falcon alumni. I truly wish Coach Walker and his family all the best as he pursues a new professional opportunity. He will be greatly missed by the UWRF and River Falls community."

On Monday, Jake Wissing was announced as the interim head coach for UWRF. Wissing was offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and assistant head coach for the Falcons from 2011-19 before making the transition to defensive coordinator until the present day.

River Falls has become known for Division III’s fastest offense that goes for it on fourth down as frequently as anyone. River Falls has averaged 42.4 points per game over the last four seasons. Defensively, the Falcons swarmed the ball all season long. The defense was a massive part of the reason the Falcons won the National Championship in 2025.

"I am pleased that Coach Wissing has agreed to serve as the interim head coach," Lanning said. "He has played a central role in the success of the Falcon football program and has earned the opportunity to lead this team. Coach Wissing has the unique perspective of having led both the offense and defense, and he is the right person to provide stability during this period of transition."

Wissing’s defense led the nation with 40 forced turnovers, the most in the nation in 2025. He has coached 46 All-WIAC selections and multiple All-Americans, most recently star linebacker Gage Timm.

"I am incredibly excited to be named the next head coach at UW-River Falls… For the past 15 years, I've had the privilege of helping build this program, and I'm honored to now lead a team that our university and alumni can proudly support. We will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Our goal is to build a national powerhouse that not only wins championships, but also develops our student-athletes into outstanding leaders,” Wissing stated in a release from the Falcons. "I want to thank our administration and Athletic Director Crystal Lanning for this opportunity and for their trust in me. River Falls is a special place - not just the university, but the entire community. It truly embodies the spirit of Division III football. I look forward to continuing the strong traditions being built here, and I couldn't be more proud of this team. Nothing excites me more than getting back to work and pursuing more championships together."
Walker also shared some words about his time working with Wissing.

"I could not be happier for Jake as he takes over as head coach," Walker stated. "We built this program side by side over the past 15 years, and he is the best coach I've ever been around. There is no one who cares more about Falcon Football, UWRF, or the River Falls community. I look forward to supporting Coach Wissing during this transition, and I can't wait to follow our players as they continue this success."

Drake was 8-4 in the lone season coached by Joe Woodley in 2025. Woodley took an assistant gig at Rutgers, leaving the Bulldogs with coaching changes in back-to-back seasons.

"I am extremely honored and feel blessed to be given the opportunity to become a part of the Drake Family," Walker said. "I want to thank Athletics Director Brian Hardin, and Senior Associate Athletics Director Jay Brummel for their hard work and belief in me to guide this program. I look forward to building upon the amazing tradition of Drake Football and Bulldog Athletics. My family and I are excited to get to know everyone and get to work. My heart goes out to these players [here at Drake] having to go through another coaching change. It's not the journey anyone signs up for but I'm determined to make this transition smooth for them, get to know them, roll up our sleeves together and get on a mission to win another conference title."

Walker’s introductory press conference with Drake is March 3.

"I also want to thank the town of River Falls, Wisconsin, the UWRF athletic department, and the Falcons' current players and staff," Walker stated in the Drake release. "There will always be a piece of my heart there and I cannot wait to be their biggest fan under the leadership of Jake Wissing, who was with me all 15 years. He will do amazing things and I cannot wait to follow them on their quest for another national title."