TAMUK Executive Director of Athletics Steve Roach announced Monday morning that head football coach Daren Wilkinson will not return in Fall 2020.
“We appreciate Coach Wilkinson’s commitment and dedication to the Javelina football program and the positive impact he made on this community,” Roach said in a Javelinas Athletics’ release. “However, at this time, we felt it was best to make a change in the leadership of the football program.”
The Javelina’s 2019 season commenced on Nov. 16with a 70-14 loss to UT Permian Basin. Saturday’s decision marked the second time the Blue and Gold allowed 70 points or more and brought TAMUK’s record to 2-9 overall and 1-7 in Lone Star Conference play.
During his five-year tenure, Wilkinson compiled an overall record of 21-35 and was 11-28 in LSC competition. His stint included three All-America selections, 10 All-Super Region IV accolades and 59 All-LSC awards.
The Blue and Gold finished the 2017 and 2018 seasons with an identical record of 4-7.
The 2016 season proved to be Wilkinson’s most successful season. His second-year efforts churned out a 9-3 record and was capped by a 24-17 win over Southern Arkansas in the Live United Bowl.
Wilkinson’s first season at the helm ended with a 2-9 record.
Prior to Wilkinson’s stint in Kingsville, TAMUK built a reputation synonymous with winning. The Javelinas have compiled a 579-326-16 overall record, 27 LSC titles, seven divisional titles, 27 playoff appearances and seven NAIA national championships. Their last conference title was won in 2009.
“Javelina football has a proud tradition and rich history, and I am confident we will find the next head coach to lead us back to that prominence,” Roach said.
Roach also announced that Parker Executive Search has launched the nationwide search for a new head coach.