CSU Pueblo hires Philip Vigil as university's new head football coach
Less than two weeks after legendary Colorado State University Pueblo head football coach John Wristen announced his retirement from coaching, the university has chosen his replacement.
Philip Vigil, who’s spent the past two years coaching for Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico, has been named the university's new head coach.
"After a thorough interview process, we have found our new ThunderWolves head coach. I believe that Coach Vigil is well-positioned to carry on the proud and successful tradition of Pack football," Paul Plinske, vice president for athletics and strategic partnerships for CSU Pueblo, said Friday in a news release.
"Coach Vigil will build on our strong foundation by bringing a high level of energy, passion for people, and a belief in our mission of developing champions. With successful experiences at some of the best Division II schools in America, Coach Vigil is also focused on making a difference in the lives of his student athletes.”
More on CSU Pueblo football:CSU Pueblo football coach John Wristen retires from coaching, steps into new role
Vigil is a native of Arvada and “has the ability to expand the Pack football footprint while attracting high-caliber student-athletes to CSU Pueblo,” Plinske said.
He comes to the Home of Heroes after two years coaching at Western New Mexico, where he led the team to a 7-15 overall record and helped turn things around for a squad that struggled mightily to win football games in the years prior to his arrival.
In the three years before Vigil became the team’s coach, the Mustangs amassed an abysmal record of 1-21.
In his first year coaching the Mustangs, they went just 1-10. However, in 2022, Vigil led the team to its first winning season in 30 years and topped it off with a Green Chile Bowl victory over rival Eastern New Mexico.
“My family and I are incredibly excited to return to Colorado,” Vigil said. “I’m thankful for the time we had in Silver City and for the support of our friends and colleagues at Western New Mexico University. Melanie (his wife) and I are looking forward to joining the Pack and becoming active members of the Pueblo community. Coach Wristen established a great program at CSU Pueblo. I’m honored to be named as the second coach in ThunderWolves’ history and I’m eager to get to work.”
Wristen was hired as CSU Pueblo’s head coach in 2007 when the university resurrected its long-defunct program. He coached the team for 15 years and led the ThunderWolves to their first and only NCAA Division II National Championship in 2014.
Wristen said he believes Vigil is “a great fit” for the program.
“He knows how to develop athletes into successful players both on and off the field. His drive and passion for the game will carry on our tradition of developing champions in Pack football,” Wristen said.
Wristen announced his retirement from coaching on Dec. 13 but is continuing to work with the university as its athletics development and external relations officer.
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Scott Noble, Western New Mexico’s executive director of athletics, wished Vigil and his family the best in their next endeavor.
"When you hire extraordinary people who do extraordinary things, it can be hard to keep them,” Noble said in a statement to the university’s athletics website, wnmumustangs.com.
“Coach Vigil's success here has been unmatched for the last 29 years; and when special people have special seasons, people take notice. We knew there would be a time when success would lead to new opportunities for Coach and his family. We wish them the best as he takes over the football program at CSU-Pueblo. Now we turn the page.”
CSU Pueblo President Timothy Mottet lauded Vigil as “a passionate educator who understands the work ethic, the families, and the long-term dreams of the students we serve at CSU Pueblo.”
“He is a proven winner, highly organized, and an effective communicator, but most importantly, Phil has a vision for student-athlete success that extends well beyond the football field,” Mottet said.
“I am confident that his leadership and proven track record will build upon the excellence of our football program and that the Pack will continue to be strong students, community members, and contenders in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.”
An introductory press conference for Vigil is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 11 a.m. in the Occhiato Student Center Foyer.
The Pack’s 2023 season kicks off against Midwestern State University at the ThunderBowl on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 6 p.m.
Chieftain editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com or on Twitter @ZachHillstrom
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: CSU Pueblo hires Philip Vigil as university's new head football coach
