Western University Mustangs hire Michael Faulds as head coach away from Laurier

Western University has hired Michael Faulds as the eighth head football coach in school history. The two-time reigning U Sports Coach of the Year spent the past 13 years in the same role at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Faulds led the Golden Hawks to a perfect 8-0 record in 2025, making them the only unbeaten team in the country in regular-season play. The team’s success came despite Hec Crighton Trophy winner Taylor Elgersma going to the NFL with Ohio University transfer Callum Wither taking over the controls at quarterback. Laurier averaged 509.4 yards and 44.4 points per game, ranking first and second in the country, respectively.

Faulds signed a five-year contract extension with the Golden Hawks in January 2025 but will now leave the program to return to his alma mater. The native of Eden Mills, Ont. quarterbacked the Mustangs from 2005 to 2009, winning two Yates Cups and graduating as the all-time passing leader in U Sports with 10,811 yards.

Courtesy: Western Mustangs

“Michael is a highly respected head coach and an exceptional leader within U Sports,” said Western director of sports and recreation Christine Stapleton in a statement. “During the recruitment process he demonstrated the vision required to ensure Western student-athletes excel on and off the field while continuing the championship-calibre play synonymous with the Mustangs.”

The 42-year-old began his coaching career in 2010 as the offensive coordinator at York University and was hired as Laurier’s head coach three years later. He posted a 72-42 record at the helm, led the team to two Yates Cups, and has been named the U Sports Coach of the Year a record three times.

“We thank Michael for his commitment to excellence and for building upon the proud legacy of Laurier football,” said Laurier vice-president of student affairs Kate McCrae Bristol. “His leadership and dedication to our student-athletes have left a lasting impact on our Golden Hawks community.”

The job at Western came open when Greg Marshall announced his retirement after 18 years with the team last month. The 66-year-old won two Vanier Cups, nine Yates Cups, six David ‘Tuffy’ Knight Awards as the OUA Coach of the Year, and two U Sports Coach of the Year honours during his tenure. Faulds was the quarterback for Marshall’s first three years as Western’s head coach.

The Mustangs went 7-1 last season, finishing second in the OUA behind Laurier. The team was upset in the opening round of the playoffs on a walk-off rouge by Guelph, however, failing to reach the Yates Cup for the first time since 2014.