Walt Wells has turned around Eastern Kentucky football in recent years, helping the Colonels return to the Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs and restore some of the program's past glory.
Chris Franklin has been a part of Wells's work on both the defensive and special teams phases.
Franklin now is diving into the toughest conference in all of FCS.
Sources tell FootballScoop that Franklin is going to Missouri State to coach defensive backs for the Bears.
A former Western Kentucky player, Franklin had been elevated by Wells prior to the 2023 season to the additional role of defensive passing game coordinator.
Ryan Beard led Missouri State to a 4-7 debut campaign in 2023, his first season at the helm.
The Bears are slated to open their 2024 season at defending FCS national runner-up Montana.