Western University hired Michael Faulds as the eighth head football coach in school history. Two-time U Sports Athletic Trainer of the Year. spent the last 13 years in the same position at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Folds led the Golden Hawks to a perfect 8-0 record in 2025, making them the only undefeated team in the country during the regular season. The team's success came despite the Hec Crighton Trophy winner. Taylor Elgersma will move on to the NFL, with Ohio University transfer Callum Wither taking over at quarterback. Laurier averaged 509.4 yards and 44.4 points per game, ranking first and second in the country, respectively.
Malfunctions signed a five-year contract with the Golden Hawks in January 2025. but will now leave the program to return to his alma mater. Native of Eden Mills, Ontario. Quarterback for the Mustangs from 2005 to 2009, winning two Yates Cups and becoming U Sports' all-time passing leader with 10,811 yards.
“Michael is a highly respected head coach and an exceptional leader at U Sports,” Western Director of Sports and Recreation Christine Stapleton said in a statement. “Throughout the recruiting process, he has demonstrated the vision needed to ensure Western student-athletes succeed on and off the field while continuing the championship-caliber play synonymous with the Mustangs.”
The 42-year-old began his coaching career in 2010 as offensive coordinator at York University before being named head coach at Laurier three years later. He compiled a 72-42 record at the helm, led the team to two Yates Cups and was named U Sports Athletic Trainer of the Year three times.
“We thank Michael for his commitment to excellence and for building on the proud legacy of Laurier football,” said Laurier Vice President for Student Affairs Kate McCray Bristol. “His leadership and dedication to our student-athletes has had a lasting impact on our Golden Hawks community.”
A vacancy at Western opened when Greg Marshall announced his retirement after 18 years with the team. last month. During his tenure, the 66-year-old won two Vanier Cups, nine Yates Cups, six David “Tuffy” Knight OUA Coach of the Year awards and two U Sports Coach of the Year awards. Folds was the quarterback during Marshall's first three years as Western's head coach.
The Mustangs went 7-1 last season, finishing second in the OUA behind Laurier. However, the team was upset by Guelph in the first round of the playoffs. failed to reach the Yates Cup for the first time since 2014.
