Wyoming hires Joe Glenn

LARAMIE, Wyo., Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Joe Glenn, who guided Montana to the Division I-AA national championship in 2001, was named Thursday as the new football coach at Wyoming.

Glenn replaces Vic Koenning, who was fired after posting a 5-29 in three years at the Mountain West Conference school.

"I talked to a lot of people during my search. It was clear that Joe was the right man to bring our football program back to where we expect it to be," Wyoming Athletic Director Lee Moon said.

Montana was 39-6 in three seasons under Glenn, including a national title last season. The Grizzlies were 11-3 this year, losing to McNeese State last Saturday in the quarterfinals.

Before arriving in Montana, Glenn compiled a 98-35 mark in 11 years at Northern Colorado, winning Division II national championships in 1996 and 1997.

"I couldn't be happier or more proud to be the next head coach at Wyoming," Glenn said. "There is so much pride and tradition here. I'm looking forward to working with the people of this great state and with the young men in the program. I can't wait for things to kick into gear."

In 18 seasons as a coach, Glenn is 158-59-1.

Glenn takes over a program in shambles. Since 2000, Wyoming has lost 29 of 34 games, including 20 of 21 in conference play.

Before Koenning was promoted from defensive coordinator, Wyoming had seven straight seasons at .500 or better, going 23-12 under Dana Dimel. In Joe Tiller's last season, the Cowboys went 10-2 in 1996.