The University of Texas Permian Basin has announced leadership changes for athletics. After eight years as head football coach, Justin Carrigan will transition to an important leadership position in the Athletics Department. His athletic leadership experience and commitment to our community will be invaluable to the University in this new role as Deputy Athletic Director. Carrigan will utilize his skills and experience to elevate and promote all 16 sponsored programs. Vice President for Athletics, Todd Dooley, says the University will begin a nationwide search for a new head football coach. 

Carrigan has a storied career at UTPB. He was the first coach in program history beginning in 2015. During his tenure, his team won 25 games; increased the number of scholarship players; and unveiled the state-of-the-art workout facility for all University athletes. In the spring of 2020, the Falcons were a perfect 5-0 as one of a handful of teams in Division II to play an ambitious schedule during the COVID pandemic. In 2021 Carrigan led the Falcons to the first bowl game in program history, facing Oklahoma Baptist in the Heritage Bowl. 

"I am proud of the impact that Justin has had, not only on our football program, but the entire University. We have benefited from his work ethic and dedication to student-athletes. I know he will provide tremendous value as he takes on this important new role for athletics," said University President, Sandra Woodley.  

"We want to thank Justin Carrigan for everything he's done for the program since its inception," said Dooley. "Building a football program from the ground up is no easy task, and Justin has done it with class and dignity. His efforts have not gone unnoticed in building the program's foundation and setting them up for success in the years to come. We are excited to watch Justin excel in a new leadership role." 

Just this past season, MJ Link was named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Year and Wide Receiver of the Year. Victor Idusuyi had a huge year and was named the LSC Defensive Freshman of the Year.   

The Falcons made national headlines under Carrigan's leadership in 2019 when John O'Kelley handed a touchdown return to teammate Chris Hoad so that Hoad, a senior, could score in his final collegiate game. The play would make rounds on national television and the duo was featured that Friday on Sportscenter.   

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