USU AD promises changes to football program in letter to fans

LOGAN – Matt Wells will remain the head football coach at Utah State University.

That was made clear in a letter from USU Athletic Director John Hartwell addressed to the “USU Aggie Family”. Hartwell wrote that the expectations of fans and players weren’t met this year, but that he has “complete confidence” that Wells will be able to return the program to the level of performance that was enjoyed the previous five seasons.

This year’s team won just one conference game and finished last in the conference’s Mountain Division. The 3-9 overall finish was USU’s worst since former head coach Brent Guy’s team compiled an identical record in 2008.

Hartwell wrote that he has had multiple meetings with Wells to examine the football program and that there “will be some changes made.”

The complete letter can be read below:

<h6>Dear USU Aggie Family:</h6><h6> </h6><h6>Thanks for your continuing support of Aggie Athletics. The vision for our football program, consistent with the vision for all our other sports, is to put ourselves in contention to play for conference championships and be a regular post-season participant.</h6><h6> </h6><h6>In reflecting on the recently completed football season, we did not meet the expectations of our student-athletes, our coaches, our administration, or our fan base. The level of success over the previous five years (43 wins vs. 24 losses and five straight bowl appearances) has become our measuring stick. Head coach Matt Wells has been a vital part of that success, and no one is taking the disappointment of this season harder than him. The sting of this season will be a driving force for all of us associated with our football program to make the changes and sacrifices necessary to regain the winning edge.</h6><h6> </h6><h6>Coach Wells and I have had multiple meetings over the last few weeks to examine our entire football program. The goal and expectation is to get our program back to the level we all enjoyed over the previous five seasons. We have complete confidence that coach Wells is the man to lead us moving forward. He and I agree that there will be some changes made as we start preparations for a successful 2017 season.</h6><h6> </h6><h6>We ask that you continue to support us in our pursuit of excellence for Utah State Athletics.</h6><h6> </h6><h6>Go Aggies!</h6><h6> </h6><h6> </h6><h6> </h6><h6>John Hartwell</h6><h6>Vice President &amp; Director of Athletics</h6>

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