Jake Wissing Named UW-River Falls Interim Head Football Coach

**Release courtesy of UW-River Falls Sports Information

RIVER FALLS, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-River Falls Athletics has named Jake Wissing interim head football coach, Director of Athletics Crystal Lanning announced today.

Wissing steps into the role following the resignation of Matt Walker. A member of the Falcon coaching staff for 15 seasons, he has served as defensive coordinator for the past five years and assistant head coach after previously spending nine seasons as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Wissing has played an integral role in one of the most successful eras in program history, highlighted by the 2025 NCAA Division III National Championship season.

"I am pleased that Coach Wissing has agreed to serve as the interim head coach," Lanning said. "He has played a central role in the success of the Falcon football program and has earned the opportunity to lead this team. Coach Wissing has the unique perspective of having led both the offense and defense, and he is the right person to provide stability during this period of transition."

Since 2021, Wissing and the Falcons have compiled a 44-13 record, captured back-to-back Isthmus Bowl titles (2021, 2022), and claimed the 2025 WIAC Championship and NCAA Division III National Championship. He was named Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year in 2021.

In 2025, Wissing's defense led the nation with 40 turnovers gained, including 29 interceptions, while pacing the WIAC in total defense, rushing defense, and scoring defense. In the national championship game, the Falcons held defending national champion North Central College to just 14 points, its lowest single-game output since 2016.

"I could not be happier for Jake as he takes over as head coach," Walker said. "We built this program side by side over the past 15 years, and he is the best coach I've ever been around. There is no one who cares more about Falcon Football, UWRF, or the River Falls community. I look forward to supporting Coach Wissing during this transition, and I can't wait to follow our players as they continue this success."

Over his tenure, Wissing has coached 46 All-WIAC selections, 11 All-Region honorees, and multiple All-Americans, including Gage Timm (2025) and Michael Brown (2022).

Prior to transitioning to defensive coordinator, Wissing spent nine seasons leading the Falcon offense, guiding record-setting units that rewrote the program's single-season marks for total offense, passing offense, and first downs in 2019.

Wissing joined the UWRF coaching staff in 2011 following coaching stops at Sewanee: The University of the South; DePauw University; Saint Joseph's College; Norwich University; and Alfred University. A graduate of DePauw, he earned his master's degree from Alfred and resides in River Falls with his wife, Kelsea, and their three daughters.

"I am incredibly excited to be named the next head coach at UW-River Falls," said Wissing. "For the past 15 years, I've had the privilege of helping build this program, and I'm honored to now lead a team that our university and alumni can proudly support. We will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standards on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. Our goal is to build a national powerhouse that not only wins championships, but also develops our student-athletes into outstanding leaders.

"I want to thank our administration and Athletic Director Crystal Lanning for this opportunity and for their trust in me. River Falls is a special place - not just the university, but the entire community. It truly embodies the spirit of Division III football. I look forward to continuing the strong traditions being built here, and I couldn't be more proud of this team. Nothing excites me more than getting back to work and pursuing more championships together."

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