Austin Peay football coach Jeff Faris signs contract extension through 2030
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Austin Peay football coach Jeff Faris has agreed to a contract extension through the 2030 season.
Faris recently completed his second season at the helm with a 7-5 record (4-4 United Athletic Conference). The Governors improved on their 4-8 record in Faris’ first season and narrowly missed the FCS playoffs as one of the first four teams out.
“We are thrilled to extend Coach Faris as the leader of Austin Peay football,” Austin Peay interim athletic director Jordan Harmon said in a school release. “Jeff has brought outstanding leadership, a relentless work ethic, and a clear vision for this program. His commitment to our student-athletes – both on and off the field – has elevated the standard of Govs football. We believe wholeheartedly in the direction he’s leading this team, and we’re excited for the future of Austin Peay under his continued guidance.”
Faris, 35, signed a four-year, $1.375 million contract when he was hired in December 2023 to replace Scotty Walden, who left for UTEP after coaching the Govs to a conference championship and a playoff berth.
The terms of Faris’ extension were not disclosed.
Austin Peay went 6-0 at Fortera Stadium in 2025, marking its first 6-0 home record since the 1949 season. It also beat Middle Tennessee State 34-14 on Aug. 30 in its season opener for the program’s second win over an FBS school and first since 1987.
“Jeff has the Austin Peay football program moving forward, and I am confident he will continue to build on this successful season,” said Austin Peay President Dr. Mike Licari. “I am proud of the team culture he has built, which competes for championships while pursuing excellence in the classroom and being committed to our Clarksville Community.”
Prior to Austin Peay, Faris was the tight ends coach at UCLA for two seasons and worked at Duke, where he played college football, from 2012-21 in a variety of roles. Faris is a native of Knoxville.
“Natalie, Jack, Eli, Cal, and I are extremely grateful and could not be more excited about our future at Austin Peay,” said Faris. “Dr. Licari and our university leadership continue to double down on their commitment to our football program, and most importantly, their commitment to our student-athletes.”
“Austin Peay continues to be aggressive and bold in this new era, and we are closing the gap in an effort to support our players like never before and to provide a student-athlete experience that is second to none. Our family loves Clarksville, our unbelievable community, and we look forward to the myriad of great memories that lie ahead. We are just getting started! We Will! Let’s Go Peay!”
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on X/Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Austin Peay football signs coach Jeff Faris to contract extension
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