Wild about ODU, Bobby Wilder Agrees to Contract Extension Through 2021
In 2007 no one knew what to expect when Bobby Wilder left the University of Maine and headed south to Norfolk, VA to become the head coach of the newly resurrected football team at Old Dominion University. Just over ten years later on March 31st, 2017, Wilder agreed to a 5 year extension to remain the head coach of the Monarchs through the 2021 season. The extension gives Wilder a $100,000 raise, bringing his annual salary to $660,000.
This coming football season will be Wilder's 11th year as the head coach of the Monarchs, but only the 9th season of an active football team. The first two seasons the Monarchs did not play a game. In those eight seasons he has a combined record of 67-30. Last year ODU earned their school's first bowl invitation and victory in a 24-20 win over Eastern Michigan in the Bahamas Bowl. It had been 68 years since football was played at ODU, and on September 5th, 2009 the Monarchs kicked off their season where the would finish with a 9-2 record playing in the FCS as an Independent. Old Dominion would become the winningest start-up program in college football history while selling out every home games at Foreman Field in Norfolk, VA to date. Over the first four seasons Wilder led the Monarchs to a 38-10 record before moving to the FBS and joining Conference USA in 2014.
Recently, talks had been ongoing between the Athletic Director of ODU, Camden Wood Selig, and Wilder regarding a contract extension. It was mentioned that an important factor for Wilder signing a new contract was the job security of his nine assistant coaches and their salaries. Wilder wanted security for himself, but more importantly he wanted security for his staff who has helped him be as successful as he has been at ODU. As the announcement was made about the extension of Wilder, so were the details of his assistant coaches who all received 2-year extensions.
Year in and year out ODU has had successful football seasons under the leadership of Bobby Wilder and his staff, and they continue to be recognized by the school for their success. ODU joined Conference USA in 2014 but could not be eligible for a bowl game until the following season. Before making their first bowl appearance in 2016 the Monarchs had their worst record in program history when they finished 5-7, the only losing season under Wilder. Following their first bowl appearance and victory in 2016 ODU now looks to further expose their football team to the likes of well known programs in the FBS against in state rivals Virginia and Virginia Tech. ODU will play Virginia Tech for seven of the next nine years, starting in 2017. ODU will then play Virginia three times over five years starting in 2018. While it remains to be seen how ODU will perform coming off their most successful season in the FBS. One thing is for certain, the fans of ODU and the players can be rest assured they have the full support of Wilder and his staff for years to come.