Western Kentucky University has found a new head football coach. Tyson Helton will take over the Hilltoppers program next season from ousted coach Mike Sanford.
At a press conference announcing his hiring, Helton said the team's readiness is one of the main reasons why he chose to return to Bowling Green.
“I felt like Western is at a place where we could take it to new heights. We had been at a certain level but the opportunity to take it to a whole other level, get back to a championship mentality—that was special to me. And I wanted to take advantage of that opportunity,” Helton said.
Helton previously served on the W-K-U football staff during the 2014 and 2015 seasons. During that time, the school saw two bowl victories and a conference championship. He's returning to Western after a season as offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Volunteers.
This year marks the team’s first losing season since 2010.
University athletic director Todd Stewart announced Sanford's dismissal Sunday following Saturday's 30-15 win over Louisiana Tech. Sanford leaves the team with a 9-16 record over two seasons.
