Regarded as one of the top recruiters and talent evaluators in the nation and boasting an extensive coaching pedigree, Jody Wright has been hired as the 20th head football coach of the Murray State Racers, it was announced on Wednesday.
The contract is subject to approval by the Murray State Board of Regents.
A four-time FBS national champion, Wright takes over the Racers’ program after spending the last two seasons as the University of South Carolina’s tight ends coach.
“When we began the process of identifying the next head football coach at Murray State, we knew that we needed to look for a relentless recruiter, a proven winner, someone who can identify and develop talent and someone who could build and maintain positive relationships with our student-athletes. Jody Wright checks every one of those boxes,” Director of Athletics Nico Yantko said.
“This was one of the best candidate pools that Murray State has ever seen and we were extremely thorough in evaluating what we needed to propel our program forward as proud members of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. In Jody, we know that we have chosen the right man at the right time to lead the Racers. I know I speak for all of Racer Nation when I say that we are beyond excited to welcome Jody, his wife Meredith, and their three children, to Murray.”
Wright’s resume is unrivaled in the coaching profession, highlighted by two stints under legendary head coach Nick Saban and working with other major names in the coaching profession including Shane Beamer, Lane Kiffin, Billy Napier, Kirby Smart, Sylvester Croom, Bill Clark, and Joe Judge, among others.
“I’m extremely pleased to welcome Coach Jody Wright, his wife, Meredith, and their children to the Racer Family,” Murray State University President Dr. Bob Jackson said.
“Coach Wright has an incredible background in coaching and comes from a long line of successful coaches. I know he will enhance this important program and I am extremely excited about the future.
