Western Michigan football hires new head coach, Lance Taylor

Wednesday morning, Western Michigan football announced that is has a new head man. The Broncos brought in former Louisville offensive coordinator Lance Taylor after firing Tim Lester, the program’s former head coach.

Tim Lester at WMU

Lester was brought in as PJ Fleck’s successor following the Bronco’s historic 13-1 season in 2016. When Fleck moved on to take the Minnesota job, Western Michigan was never really the same.

The program that Fleck built — the one that won back-to-back MAC West Championships, won the MAC, gave Wisconsin a close game in the Cotton Bowl, and finished top-15 — was gone. From the start, Lester’s time was far different. WMU did not get better, nor did it get much worse, the Broncos started as a .500 team and essentially stayed there.

Lester left Western Michigan football with a 37-32 record (six seasons) and one bowl win (2021 Quick Lane Bowl). Aside from the 2021 season, Lester failed to win eight or more games in a single season… ever.

WMU did not compete for division or conference titles, was not ranked, and frankly did not look like to improve at all. In my opinion, cutting ties with Lester was the right move for Western Michigan football.

Looking for a replacement

As Western’s athletic department started its search, it was clear that WMU knew what it was looking for.

"“Relentless energy,” said Western Michigan athletic director Dan Bartholomae. “I want somebody who walks in the room and picks everyone up who’s around them, who inspires you to be greater, who inspires the team to be greater.”"

When the Broncos found their man, the program moved fast.

Western Michigan football gets its man

Western Michigan hired Lance Taylor, a 41-year-old veteran play-caller, on Wednesday, December 8th. Once again, Dan Bartholomae had high praises for Taylor and seemed confident in his decision.

"“At the start of this process, we were searching for someone with relentless energy and the capacity to lift everyone around them to greater aspirational heights,” said Bartholomae. “We also sought someone who had demonstrated championship success throughout his life and career."

Taylor brings plenty of experience from the NFL and college level, and did a fantastic job as Louisville’s offensive coordinator. I like this hire for Western Michigan football, and am excited to see how Taylor can change the program.

There is no reason Western Michigan should not at least compete for the MAC Championship every few years if you ask me. It was apparent in 2016 that the alumni and fans in Kalamazoo will show up — both in spirit and financially — when they have a competitive program.

With Eastern Michigan on the rise, WMU needed to act fast and did. Only time will tell how the move will impact Bronco football, but for now, spirits are high for those affiliated with Western Michigan football.