Lamberson Inks Five-Year Contract Extension

WARRENSBURG, Mo. – After leading University of Central Missouri Mules football to a MIAA Championship and school record-tying 11-2 overall record in 2023, head coach Josh Lamberson has signed a five-year contract extension through the 2028 season, UCM Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Matt Howdeshell announced Thursday, Jan. 4.

"Mules football has experienced tremendous success under Coach Lamberson, and we could not be more excited about what the future holds under his leadership," Howdeshell said. "The 2023 season was memorable in many ways, from Zach Zebrowski winning the Harlon Hill, to matching program records for wins and postseason achievements, to Coach [Lamberson] earning attention from national awards. However, what we've been most impressed with under Coach Lamberson's leadership is his ability to quickly establish a culture that elevates the experience of our student-athletes. Coach Lamberson has achieved a good amount, and this contract extension represents our belief and investment in him and his staff to keep us at the top of the MIAA conference and beyond."

The new contract is highly competitive in the MIAA conference and provides incentives for MIAA championships, postseason achievements, coach of the year awards, and team GPA, as well as adjustments to the assistant coach salary pool.

"We are extremely excited to reach this agreement for a contract extension with the University of Central Missouri," Lamberson said. "My family and I want to thank the Board of Governors, UCM President Dr. Roger Best, and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Matt Howdeshell for their support, partnership, and faith in our program. This has been such an amazing team effort from our players, staff and coaches who have worked tremendously hard in building a championship-level program."

In just his second season as head coach in 2023, he led the Mules to an 11-2 overall record and a 9-1 mark in the MIAA, capturing the program's 14th MIAA Championship. UCM advanced to the second round of the NCAA-II Playoffs before falling to eventual 2023 NCAA-II National Champion Harding, 35-34, in Searcy, Ark. The 11 wins tied a school record. Lamberson was named the AFCA Super Region III and MIAA Coach of the Year.

UCM quarterback Zach Zebrowski become the second Mule to win the prestigious Harlon Hill Trophy as the top player in all of NCAA Division II football. In addition, Zebrowski was named a consensus First Team All-American, receiving All-American accolades from the AFCA, D2CCA and Associated Press. He was named the D2CCA Ron Lenz Division II Offensive Player of the Year, D2CCA Super Region III Player of the Year, MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and NCAA.com Division II Offensive Player of the Year.

Zebrowski set new NCAA Division II records for passing touchdowns (61), total offensive yards (5,690), points responsible for (380) and TDs responsible for (63 - 61 pass, two rush) in UCM's 13 games in 2023. He also established new UCM and MIAA records for passing touchdowns (8), passing yards (615 yards) and total offense (673 yards) in a single-game in the Mules' 77-27 win over then No. 23-ranked Emporia State Oct. 21.

During the 2023 season, Zebrowski led all of NCAA Division II in total offense (437.7 yards per game), passing yards (5,157 yards), passing touchdowns (61), points responsible for (380), points responsible for per game (29.2 points per game) and passing yards per game (396.7 yards per game). He was second in completions per game (32 per game) and passing efficiency (173.0).

In addition to Zebrowski, wide receiver Arkell Smith, offensive lineman Gabe Clark and defensive back Wyryor Noil all received First Team All-America honors. UCM had an impressive 16 student-athletes named All-MIAA.

Lamberson and his staff led UCM to numerous team season records in 2023, including most total plays (1,042), most yards gained (7,721), most touchdowns (89), most points (642), most passing yards (5,433), most yards passing per game (417.9), most TD passes (62), most first downs (398).

Central Missouri led all of NCAA Division II in total offense (598.3 yards per game), scoring offense (49.4 points per game), passing offense (417.9 yards per game) and first downs (398).

The Mules also had several outstanding performances in the classroom, as Curtis Appleton II, Ethan Brown, Gabe Clark, Luke Dobson, Reed Kaburick and Cale Miller were all named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

"The University of Central Missouri, our fan base, the alumni association and our donors are what makes this place special," Lamberson added. "We are so very thankful for the resources they provide and the investment in our people. We will continue to uphold the highest standards of excellence both on and off the field in representing this incredible institution. We are proud of the past, excited for the future and grateful for the opportunity to serve the University of Central Missouri."