Watch: UTEP presents Scotty Walden as new head football coach

Update: UTEP is hosting an official presentation to introduce Walden as new head football coach.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Austin Peay's Scotty Walden has been name the UTEP's head coach, sources close to ABC-7 say.

This comes after former head coach Dana Dimel was fired at the end of last month. Dimel had one-year left on his contract with UTEP.

UTEP finished 2023 with a 3-9 overall record which marks Dimel's fifth losing season in his six years at the helm of the program. Dimel has an overall record of 20-49 at UTEP.

Walden, has four seasons under his belt as head coach for Austin Peay, with a 26-14 record. This season the Governors were 9-3, winning in the United Football Conference championship.

Walden was one of five people Athletic Director Jim Senter and UTEP President, Heather Wilson interviewed in Dallas over the weekend. Other potentials included, University of Las Vegas Offensive Coordinator, Brennan Marion, Texas Tech Offensive Coordinator, Zach Kittley, Texas Tech Associated Head Coach, Kenny Perry and UTEP Offensive Coordinator Eric Price.

Statement from UTEP Director of Athletics, Jim Senter:

“We are thrilled to welcome Scotty, Callie and Luca Walden back home to the Lone Star State,” UTEP Vice President and Director of Athletics Jim Senter said. “He is one of the most innovative and energetic young coaches in the nation. He will put a product on the field that Miner fans will love to watch. His teams are characterized by fast-paced and high-scoring offenses and opportunistic defenses. He did a remarkable job establishing the team culture at Austin Peay, guiding a group of fine young men and building a championship program in a very short period of time. We can’t be more excited to launch a new era of Miner Football.”

Statement from Coach Scotty Walden:

“Miner Nation, my family and I are beyond thankful and blessed for the opportunity to lead the UTEP Miner Football program!” Walden said. “Thank you, Dr. Heather Wilson and Director of Athletics Jim Senter for their belief in me and our vision for Miner Football. Callie, Luca and I look forward to developing meaningful relationships with the great people of El Paso and being involved in the community. We are committed to bringing El Paso, Texas a football program that they can be proud of, both on and off the field. We are going to bring a brand of football to UTEP that is Fearless, Fast and Physical! We have the greatest stadium in Group of Five Football in the Sun Bowl, and we look forward to having YOU there to make it the best environment in college football! God Bless and Go Miners!”