Helton and coordinators hold press conference to kick off spring season

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – While it is still the beginning of March and spring sports on the Hill are in full swing, the WKU football squad is preparing to hit Feix Field to begin work for the fall, with many new faces found on both the roster and coaching staff.

Monday morning, head coach Tyson Helton and his new coordinator group spoke with local media as a new chapter in Hilltopper football is in the process of being written.

Below are some of the biggest storylines of the spring:

• The 2024 Hilltoppers went 8-6 with losses in the Conference USA Championship and the Boca Raton Bowl, and Coach Helton expressed how despite a winning record, the goal and expectation moving forward is to achieve more.
  • “At the end of the day, it’s not just about playing for championships, it’s about winning championships, and that’s the number one goal,” said Coach Helton.
• Following the end of the year, the team as a whole saw a lot of change, but starting with the coaching staff, Rick Bowie joined the Tops from Abeline Christian as the team’s next offensive coordinator. With the Wildcats, Bowie served the same role, and despite joining a new program for 2025, there will be some comfort as his quarterback, Maverick McIvor, also made his way to the Hill.
  • “I think the success that, offensively, has been had around this place is undeniable, it’s one of the spots that you kind of have your eye on at all times,” said Coach Bowie. “When you get a chance to be even considered for a place like WKU, you jump all over it, so I’m really excited to be here.”
  • “I love that there’s consistency there from what we do and what he does,” said Coach Helton. “The offense is pretty much the same. Some things might change a little bit here and there, but Rick’s really good at playing the best 11.”
• The offense wasn’t the only side seeing a shakeup, as two new co-defensive coordinators were elevated from within to lead the WKU defense, being Da’Von Brown and Davis Merritt. The two have had plenty of experience working together, with both spending time at Florida Atlantic University. Both coaches expressed their gratitude to be in this position and explained that the co-defensive coordinator roles are very fluid, with changes to be expected as the year roles along.
  • “I’m fired up for this opportunity,” said Coach Brown. “Just kind of getting this leadership role has been exciting for me, with this staff, with this group. I’m fired up and let’s keep this thing rolling.”
  • “Me and ‘Von have that continuity, and it’s been really fun. I’m really excited about the spring,” said Coach Merritt.
• Monday was the first time since Coach Helton’s contract extension that he had spoken with the media, and it was very evident that Bowling Green is a place that not only feels like home, but a place that Helton wants to be for the foreseeable future.
  • “This is a special place, this is a place that my family loves and enjoys, and I hope I get to stay here forever,” said Coach Helton. “You look at all the new facilities that have come online, the new press box, we probably will be done with the indoor facility late summer/early fall, it’s going to be a great facility.”
  • “It just shows the commitment to being excellent, and so I’m glad to be a part of that, I’m glad to continue to lead this team, and I’m excited in the direction we’re headed,” said Coach Helton.
• Now looking into the roster, there are 54 players returning from 2024 and 40 newcomers for the spring (33 via transfer, 7 via true freshman). That much change presents a challenge to Coach Helton and his staff, but everyone involved is excited for what’s to come.
  • “Yeah, this is by far the most turnover we’ve had. I’ve said it before, I enjoy this part of my job. I like putting the pieces of the puzzle together,” said Coach Helton. “We lost probably close to 70 percent of our production from last year, but when good players leave, new stars arrive.”
  • “I get a lot of questions nowadays on who are we going to be on offense, and the easiest way to say it is I don’t know yet,” said Coach Bowie. “There’s a lot of good football players out there, there’s a lot to be excited about.”

The team will hold 15 spring practices before their Red and White Spring Showcase, which will be held at Houchens-Smith Stadium on Saturday, April 12.

Another important date to note is the WKU Football Pro Day, which is taking place on March 26 with many Hilltopper alumni looking to continue their careers at the next level.