PREVIOUSLY: (UPDATE) HSU’s New Interim Coach is First African-American Head Football Coach in School History

Humboldt State University Athletics Department:

A national search for a full-time head coach had narrowed a large list of applicants to a handful of promising finalists before recent events caused HSU’s Office of Faculty Affairs and Human Resources, in consultation with the CSU Office of General Council, to call an end to the process.

“I am excited for Coach Wheeler but frustrated by this turn of events in the search process,” said Robins. “Coach Wheeler and his staff have done an excellent job stabilizing the program through the spring, recruiting new players, and preparing our current student-athletes for their upcoming finals and for fall competition. I am confident that Coach and his staff will have the Jacks ready for their season opener.”

Wheeler joined the HSU coaching staff in the spring of 2017 and was tabbed interim Head Coach in February. He coached defensive backs and special teams for the Lumberjacks last season. Under Wheeler’s leadership, the HSU secondary registered 14 interceptions and defensive back Davaeon Johnson earned All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference First Team and Don Hansen All-Region honors. Running back and kick returner Ja’Quan Gardner and kicker Jose Morales both earned First Team All-Conference nods, while punter Alex Elterman was named to the All-GNAC Second Team.

The Jacks will kick off the 2018 campaign versus Midwestern State on Sept. 1.