Michael Wilder is in his first season as an assistant coach at New Mexico in 2025-26. He joined the Lobo coaching staff after spending the previous 11 seasons at his alma mater, UC Irvine.
Over the past decade, Wilder has helped the Anteaters to the most successful era in program history. In his 11 years on Russell Turner’s staff, UCI had eight 20-win seasons, including two 30-win seasons. This past year, UC Irvine won a school-record 32 games and reached the championship game of the NIT. UCI won five Big West regular season titles and two conference tournament titles while Wilder was on the staff. In 2019, the Anteaters reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament after upsetting No. 4 seed Kansas State in the opening round.
Wilder was a standout player at UC Irvine, where he was a 1,000 point scorer (1,082) during his career from 2009-13. He still ranks third in program history with 224 career 3-pointers, while also ranking in the top 15 in rebounds and assists. As a junior, he was a second-team All-Big West honoree when he led the Anteaters in scoring at 11.5 ppg.
Following his graduation from UC Irvine in 2013, he played one season professionally in Spain before returning to his alma mater to begin his coaching career.
“Lobo Nation should be excited about the addition of Mike Wilder to our coaching staff,” said head coach Eric Olen. “He’s coming from one of the best defensive programs in the country and will help us be efficient on that side of the ball. Mike’s work ethic and ability to connect with players will allow him to make an immediate impact across the program.”