Louisiana-Monroe will name Matt Viator as its next head coach, sources confirmed to FootballScoop Monday morning. Gene Ponti of the NBC and Fox affiliates in Monroe first reported the news.
Viator arrives from McNeese State, where he recorded one of the most impressive runs in school history. Viator posted a 78-33 record in 10 seasons at the helm, making him the only coach in Southland Conference history to never post a losing record in eight or more seasons on the job. His 78 wins are the most in school history, and he led the Cowboys to four Southland titles -- including this season -- and five FCS playoff appearances.
Viator captured three Southland coach of the year awards and was a finalists for the STATS and Eddie Robinson national coach of the year honors.
In landing at Louisiana-Monroe, Viator takes over a program that peaked with an 8-5 mark and Independence Bowl appearance in 2012, but slipped steadily from there -- 6-6 in 2013, 4-8 in 2014 and 2-11 this fall.
Guidry's defense was a driving force in the Cowboys' 10-1 season, posting some of the most impressive numbers in FCS. If Guidry opts to remain at McNeese, sources tell FootballScoop to look for Viator to bring Sam Houston State defensive coordinator Mike Collins as his DC. Former Georgia offensive line coach Rob Sale could wind up with a seat on this staff as well.
With the move, only BYU and Georgia Southern remain open at the FBS level at this time.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.