RIVER FALLS, Wis. — UW-River Falls Athletics announced today that Head Football Coach Matt Walker has resigned to accept a head coaching opportunity at the Division I level.
 
Walker departs UWRF following a transformational tenure that redefined Falcon Football and culminated in the program's first NCAA Division III National Championship in 2025.
 
"I would like to thank Coach Walker for his commitment to Falcon athletics and the football program," said Crystal Lanning, UWRF Athletics Director. "Over the past 15 years, he worked tirelessly to improve all areas of the program including the team culture, academic performance, and on-field competitiveness. He created a culture of pride and excellence within the team, and reengaged generations of Falcon alumni. I truly wish Coach Walker and his family all the best as he pursues a new professional opportunity. He will be greatly missed by the UWRF and River Falls community."
 
After being named head coach in 2011, Walker guided the program's steady climb toward its breakthrough in 2021. That season, the Falcons posted nine wins and delivered a statement postseason performance. Momentum continued in 2022 with a second consecutive Isthmus Bowl championship and a return to prominence in the WIAC.
 
By 2023, the Falcons were ranked nationally for the entire season, climbing as high as No. 4 in NCAA Division III.
 
In 2025, UWRF captured its first WIAC Championship since 1998, advanced to the NCAA Playoffs for the first time since 1996, and finished the year as Division III National Champions. Walker was named the D3football.com Coach of the Year and the WIAC Coach of the Year.
 
"I'm not sure there are words to properly explain how much I love River Falls and how much I appreciate everything it has given me and my family," Walker commented. "I've given everything I had to UWRF and feel good about leaving it in a better place than we found it. None of this could have happened without great administrative leadership, my incredible coaching staff, and obviously our student-athletes. We have truly created a family here."
 
Throughout his tenure, Walker mentored more than 140 All-WIAC selections, 13 All-Region honorees, six All-Americans, and the 2025 Gagliardi Trophy winner in Kaleb Blaha. Additionally, five Falcons earned the WIAC's highest academic honor, the Max Sparger Scholar-Athlete Award.