Matt Viator out as ULM football coach after 0-10 start in 2020

Louisiana-Monroe parted ways with football coach Matt Viator on Monday, two days after the Warhawks fell to 0-10 on the season.

“I met at length with Coach Viator yesterday and we arrived at the decision that as a program, it was time to seek new leadership,” ULM athletic director Scott McDonald said. “I appreciate everything he’s done while attempting to rebuild this football program, especially under the extraordinary challenges presented to him and his staff this season. 

“I also want to thank Matt and his wife Schantel for the significant impact they both had in our local and campus communities."

In five seasons at ULM, Viator produced a 19-39 record and 15-24 mark against Sun Belt Conference competition.

Defensive coordinator Scott Stoker, a former coach at Northwestern State, was named the interim coach.

The Warhawks conclude the season at Troy on Dec. 17.

“I want to thank ULM for giving me the incredible opportunity to be a FBS head coach,” Viator said.  

“I’m grateful for all of the student-athletes that I’ve had the opportunity to coach over the last five seasons. Schantel and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Monroe.”  

Viator had two years remaining on a contract that pays him $350,000 annually in base salary. He signed an extension through the 2022 season in June.

Little went right for ULM on or off the field in 2020. A COVID-19 outbreak and Hurricane Laura led to the suspension of football activities for 10 days during August camp. Defensive coordinator Mike Collins resigned 10 days prior to the season opener at Army.

Around 74 players lived in a hotel until a new on-campus dorm was completed in October.  

All-American cornerback Corey Straughter had season-ending wrist surgery after three games. ULM lost 18 players to opt outs and the transfer portal since spring practice ended.

Viator inherited a 2-11 team when ULM hired him away from McNeese State in December 2015. After back-to-back 4-8 seasons, the Warhawks reached bowl eligibility with a 6-6 mark in 2018 and finished 5-7 in 2019. 

The winningest coach in McNeese history, Viator’s 78-33 record brought a renewed energy to the program. ULM signed the Sun Belt’s top-rated recruiting class per Rivals.com in 2017. But Viator couldn’t replicate that success working with limited resources and the lowest budget in FBS.

ULM has finished with a winning record only once at the FBS level. No head coach has lasted longer than seven seasons since the program made the move up in 1994.

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