BREAKING NEWS: Dave Christensen Called Back for Redemption as Wyoming Cowboys’ Head Coach Amidst Sudden Departure of Jay Sawvel
LARAMIE, Wyo. (Dec. 9, 2024) — In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Dave Christensen, former head coach of the Wyoming Cowboys, has been reinstated as the program’s head coach, effective immediately. This shocking move comes just 24 hours after the abrupt resignation of Jay Sawvel, who stepped down following the announcement of 22 new commitments for the 2025 recruiting class.
Christensen, who led the Cowboys from 2009 to 2013, returns to Laramie with a mission to restore the program’s momentum after Sawvel’s sudden exit. The announcement has sent waves through the college football world, as fans and analysts are left reeling from the unprecedented move.
Christensen’s Statement on Return
In a heartfelt statement, Dave Christensen expressed his excitement and determination to bring Wyoming football back to prominence.
“I’m beyond excited to return to the University of Wyoming and to continue the journey of building this great football program,” said Christensen, who led the Cowboys to a Mountain West Championship game during his tenure. “The opportunity to coach these young men, many of whom I have a deep respect for, and to work alongside our staff is something I couldn’t pass up. I believe in Wyoming, and I believe in the future of this program.”
Christensen, who has since spent time as an assistant coach at multiple universities and in the professional ranks, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His prior success at Wyoming, including guiding the team to three bowl games in five seasons, has earned him a strong following in Laramie and beyond.
The Reason for Christensen’s Return
While the timing of Sawvel’s departure came as a surprise to many, the decision to bring Christensen back to Wyoming was reportedly driven by the desire to maintain stability within the program, especially after such a strong 2025 signing class.
Wyoming athletic director Tom Burman expressed his belief that Christensen’s leadership and history with the program make him the perfect fit for the job at this critical juncture.
“Coach Christensen’s track record of success at Wyoming speaks for itself,” said Burman in the official release. “His understanding of the program, his ability to recruit, and his commitment to Wyoming’s values are qualities that make him the right choice. We are excited for the future under his leadership and the impact he will have on our student-athletes.”
Christensen, who led the Cowboys to a 27-35 record during his five-year tenure, is fondly remembered for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to recruit some of the best talent in the Mountain West. Despite some mixed results toward the end of his tenure, his legacy remains strong with many fans.
Impact on the 2025 Recruiting Class
The announcement of Christensen’s return is expected to have an immediate impact on Wyoming’s 2025 recruiting class. With many of the Cowboys’ top recruits, including in-state talent like Mason Drube and Jaden Lawrence, still committed to the program, Christensen’s familiarity with the recruits could help keep them on board despite the coaching shake-up.
“I’m excited to have Coach Christensen back,” said Mason Drube, the three-star quarterback from Gillette, Wyoming. “He was a big part of the reason I was excited to be a Cowboy in the first place. We have a talented class coming in, and I’m confident we can achieve great things with him leading us.”
Christensen’s return is expected to provide the stability and leadership the program needs, especially as Wyoming moves forward with a promising young core of recruits.
Christensen’s Legacy at Wyoming
During his first stint as head coach, Christensen made an indelible mark on the program. His leadership brought the Cowboys their first winning season in over a decade in 2011 and helped Wyoming make significant strides in recruiting. His most notable achievement was guiding the Cowboys to the 2011 New Mexico Bowl, a victory over Temple, the program’s first bowl win since 2004. Christensen also coached some standout players, including running back Shawn Wick and quarterback Brett Smith, who left a lasting legacy on the program.
However, his tenure ended after the 2013 season following a series of disappointing seasons and struggles to regain the team’s earlier success. Despite a mixed ending, Christensen’s reputation for cultivating strong teams, especially on offense, has kept him a beloved figure in Wyoming.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
The immediate focus for Christensen will be on stabilizing the program and ensuring that the 2025 recruiting class stays committed. With a strong group of recruits already on board and the team poised for an exciting season ahead, Christensen will need to hit the ground running.
Fans will be eager to see how Christensen reinvents the Cowboys’ offensive system and works to instill discipline and consistency across all aspects of the program. Additionally, his ability to rally the players and staff will be crucial as he re-establishes his leadership and works to build on the program’s recent successes.
A Bold New Era for Wyoming Football?
Christensen’s return has certainly raised eyebrows, but it also signifies a bold new chapter for the Cowboys. The combination of experienced leadership and a fresh batch of talent could create a potent mix, and many fans are hoping that his second tenure will bring Wyoming back to the competitive heights it experienced during his first run.
While there are still many questions to be answered, the return of Dave Christensen has injected new life into the Wyoming football program, and all eyes will be on the Cowboys as they prepare for the 2025 season.
With a talented incoming class and a former head coach now at the helm, Wyoming football is ready for its next chapter — and fans are eager to see if redemption is truly on the horizon.
