Feb. 15, 2007
University of New Mexico head football coach Rocky Long announced today that Matt Wells has been named wide receivers coach. Wells replaces Dan Dodd, who accepted a coaching position at Tulane last month. Wells is expected to start on Monday, Feb. 19.
Wells, 33, spent the past five seasons as tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator in a successful program at the University of Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane played in three bowl games in four seasons between 2003-06. Tulsa appeared in its second straight bowl in 2006, a first for the school since the 1964 and `65 Bluebonnet bowls.
“Matt is a real good fit for us because he is familiar with the scheme that offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin will utilize,” said Long. “Matt is a young, energetic guy with a reputation as a great recruiter. He’s a fine complement to our staff.”
Tulsa tight ends were instrumental in the team’s recent offensive success. Wells coached 2005 All-American Garrett Mills, who established an NCAA single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,235 yards. Mills ended his career ranked as the top receiving tight end in school history with 2,389 career yards, which also placed him sixth on the school’s all-time receiving list.
“We’re excited about becoming a part of coach Long’s staff and helping the Lobos win a championship,” said Wells. “We look forward to putting points on the board.”
Wells also coached Caleb Blankenship at Tulsa, an honorable mention all-conference selection in 2003 and 2004. Tulsa’s tight ends caught the most passes in the nation in 2003 with 89 receptions for 855 yards and 12 touchdowns. They combined for 83 catches and 919 yards in 2004.
The Golden Hurricane’s 2004 recruiting class was rated as the top-ranked unit in the Western Athletic Conference by PrepStar magazine and Rivals.com, while the 2005 class earned best in Conference USA by Rivals.com.
Wells came to Tulsa after spending five seasons (1997-01) as an assistant coach at the U.S. Naval Academy. He served as a service academy assistant coach for the varsity in 1997, assisting with coaching the quarterbacks and fullbacks. Wells mentored the varsity fullbacks for three seasons (1998-2000) and the wide receivers in 2001.
During the 1998-2000 seasons, Wells also served as the head junior varsity coach and offensive coordinator. The Navy J.V. teams posted an overall record of 20-2 during that span.
A three-year letterman at Utah State, Wells played quarterback for four years (1993-96), and was the starter as a sophomore. He played free safety as a senior. A three-time All-Big West academic selection, Wells was a member of Big West Conference championship teams in 1993 and 1996.
Wells received his bachelor’s degree in business marketing from Utah State in 1996. He and his wife, Jen, have two daughters: Jadyn and Ella.