Eric Kjar, a name that has echoed through the halls of Utah high school football, has been handed the reins of the Weber State Wildcats, stepping into a collegiate spotlight that will test his undeniable skills on a grander stage. The announcement, which came earlier this week, has filled the Wildcats' fandom with a renewed sense of optimism. Kjar brings to the table a track record that is nothing short of stellar, featuring a 112-10 run at Corner Canyon High School, peppered with six state championships and multiple players drafted into the NFL, including the likes of quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Jaxson Dart.
At 46, Kjar isn't just any coach. He's the architect behind Corner Canyon's rise to prominence, a feat he's now expected to replicate within the halls of Weber State. “I'm very excited to be leading the Weber State football program,” Kjar said in a statement obtained by Weber State Sports. His vow to leverage the local talent pool and build a championship-caliber team echoes loudly, well-aware of the expectations and the hunger for a winning formula that has eluded the program in recent stretches.
Kjar's appointment is seen as a strategic move, one that Weber State Director of Athletics Tim Crompton believes aligns perfectly with the university's values and vision. "His deep Utah roots, proven leadership, and unwavering ability to build a program on a foundation of talent and character are the precise qualities that Weber State is looking for to define our next era of football," Crompton shared, as reported by The Salt Lake Tribune. This hire comes after a comprehensive national search that ultimately marked Kjar as the beacon of hope for a program in dire need of direction. He replaces former coach Mickey Mental, who, after struggling to a disappointing 13-20 over three seasons, left the team looking for a fresh start.
Kjar's appointment also hints at a tantalizing prospect for recruitment within the state of Utah. His prowess in nurturing talent hasn't gone unnoticed, with an impressive roster of players progressing from his high school squads to the professional stage. As Kjar told KUTV, it's still too early to provide specifics on his coaching staff, but he assured that movements are imminent. The Wildcats' community holds its breath, anticipating that the alchemy that turned Utah's high school football scene to gold can be distilled once more onto the university's gridiron.
