Morgantown, WV – After weeks of speculation, we finally have an answer on Wren Baker’s future in Morgantown. The Mountaineer athletic director has been rumored to be a candidate for the same position at the University of Oklahoma. Baker, an Oklahoma native, will now officially be out of the race for that job.
BREAKING: Per new #WVU President Michael Benson, athletic director WREN BAKER has signed a contract extension through 2032! Let’s GO! pic.twitter.com/0ZkPZPxMm4
— The Voice of Morgantown (@voicemorgantown) July 24, 2025
New WVU president Michael T. Benson confirmed that Baker has been signed to a 2-year extension through 2032, according to Joe Brocato of MetroNews.
Brocato shared Benson’s quote regarding the extension this morning on MetroNews Talkline: “He has told me he is very happy here and his wife and daughters are very happy here . We have extended his contract. He is doing an unbelievable job. He is the new chair of the athletic directors within the Big 12. I have been on a few calls already with that group. He is very well-respected.”
“You look at the coaches he just extended a few days ago and the hire of Rich Rod has gotten people very animated and very excited, and Coach Hodge. I am very impressed with the operation and how well he is doing in terms of revenue generation and forward thinking about where we want to take the University.”
Wren Baker Signs Extension with WVU Baker is a fan-favorite among Mountaineer Nation. Since arriving in 2022, he has done a tremendous job cleaning up the athletic department. The West Virginia University athletic department is in great hands for the foreseeable future!
Since arriving, his accomplishments include:
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On‑field success across multiple sports: WVU’s teams achieved several historic milestones. The football program, which Baker retained and evaluated in his first season, posted a nine‑win year capped by a bowl victory. The men’s soccer team reached the NCAA College Cup final four (the program’s first appearance), and WVU’s baseball team advanced to its first‑ever Super Regional. The golf team qualified for its first national tournament since 1947, and under new women’s basketball coach Mark Kellogg the Mountaineers went 25‑8 and reached the second round of the 2024 NCAA tournament. WVU also celebrated a national runner‑up finish in cross‑country and a rifle national championship. These successes contributed to WVU finishing 42nd in the 2024‑25 Directors’ Cup standings—its best placement in more than a decade.
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Academic and financial achievements: During Baker’s tenure, WVU student‑athletes recorded their best‑ever academic performance and the athletics department posted the second‑highest fundraising totals in school history. WVU’s 2025 Day of Giving, in which athletics played a major role, raised a record $46.2 million for the university.
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Strategic hiring and leadership: Baker navigated several high‑profile coaching transitions. After placing Josh Eilert in charge on an interim basis in 2023, he hired Darian DeVries as men’s basketball coach and later replaced him with North Texas defensive specialist Ross Hodge in March 2025. He lured Rich Rodriguez back to Morgantown as head football coach in December 2024. He also hired Mark Kellogg to lead women’s basketball, promoted assistant Steve Sabins to replace retiring baseball coach Randy Mazey, and brought in longtime Washington State coach Jen Greeny to guide the volleyball program while launching a search for a new swimming and diving coach. These hires have been widely praised, and new WVU president Michael Benson remarked that Baker “has not missed on a hire.
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Long‑term planning and revenue generation: Baker created a 20‑year facilities master plan and developed a strategic vision focused on fiscal sustainability, premium seating, NIL opportunities and new revenue streams. He implemented a Coaches Caravan to engage fans statewide, which boosted morale and increased ticket sales and attendance metrics. He also chairs the Big 12 Conference’s athletic directors group, reflecting national respect for his leadership.
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Operational oversight and contract extensions: As athletic director, Baker manages 18 varsity sports, a budget exceeding $90 million and nearly 500 student‑athletes. WVU rewarded his performance by extending his contract through 2030 in May 2024 and again through Dec. 31 2032 in July 2025, with escalating salary and retention incentives.
Together, these accomplishments show Baker has dramatically improved competitive results, academic achievement, fundraising and fan engagement while positioning WVU athletics for long‑term stability and success.
(Photo by WVU Athletics)
