Cal Poly football coach Tim Walsh announces retirement

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- Longtime Cal Poly football coach Tim Walsh announced his retirement Monday afternoon.

The move ends an 11-year career with the Mustangs.

“On behalf of our department staff, and the hundreds of young men who have received the benefit of Tim’s mentorship, we thank Tim for his leadership over our football program,” said Cal Poly Athletic Director Don Oberhelman said in a statement.

Walsh was hired in 2009 and compiled a record of 59-66 at Cal Poly. 

Among his highlights was a share of the 2012 Big Sky Conference championship and two NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision playoff appearances.

After leading the Mustangs to their most recent playoff appearance in 2016, the program has struggled on the field.

Over the past three seasons, the Mustangs earned an overall record of just 9-24 and a conference mark of 7-17.

On Saturday, Cal Poly beat Northern Colorado 28-21 to finish with an overall record of 3-8 and Big Sky record of 2-6.

Before being hired at Cal Poly, Walsh was previously head coach at Portland State (1993-2006) for 14 seasons. He also was head coach Sonoma State (1989-92).

In 29 years as head coach, Walsh has an overall record of 176-148.

Cal Poly announced a national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.