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Taylor Hire

Football Hope Maes, Sports Information Director

Mountaineer Athletics Announces Solo Taylor as the 13th Head Football Coach

LA GRANDE, Ore. – Eastern Oregon Athletics is proud to announce the appointment of Solo Taylor as the next Head Coach of Mountaineer Football, as announced Friday by Athletic Director Anji Weissenfluh.

"This is an exciting moment for Mountaineer Football as Coach Taylor steps into the role of a Head Coach," Weissenfluh said.  "His passion and vision for Eastern Oregon football's future was clear throughout his interview process."

A familiar and respected name within Mountie Nation, Taylor brings deep ties to Eastern Oregon and a proven record of leadership, both on and off the field. A former Mountaineer standout, Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from EOU. As a student-athlete, Taylor distinguished himself as one of the top linebackers in small-college football. He was a Cliff Harris Award nominee, a three-time First Team All-Frontier Conference selection, and a three-year team captain. His on-field excellence and leadership played a vital role in the Mountaineers' success during his playing career. 

"I am honored to accept the Head Coaching position with Eastern Oregon Football. I want to sincerely thank Eastern Oregon University, Anji Weissenfluh, and the search committee for the opportunity to lead this program. I am also incredibly grateful for my wife, whose unwavering support has been with me every step of the way throughout my career" said Taylor. 

He returned to the program in 2022 as the linebackers and special teams coach before being promoted to Defensive Coordinator in March of 2024.

Taylor's impact as a coach has been equally impressive. Under his leadership, Eastern Oregon's defense emerged as one of the top units in the NAIA during the 2025 season. The Mountaineers ranked fourth nationally in points allowed per game (14.5) and sixth in yards allowed per game (271.1). The defense also ranked 25th in tackles per game (67.7) and tied for 17th in total sacks (28). Notably, Taylor guided the defense's rise from 59th to fourth nationally among nearly 100 NAIA football programs in just one season. 

"We are confident that Coach Taylor will build a championship culture at EOU," said Weissenfluh. "He represents everything we value at Eastern Oregon University and truly understands what it means to wear the Mountaineer uniform. His integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment to this program are evident in the leadership he provides and the standard he sets for our student-athletes."

Throughout his tenure, Taylor has coached multiple All-Conference selections, numerous Frontier Conference Defensive Players of the Week, and a National Defender of the Week in 2024. In addition to his role as Defensive Coordinator, he also served as the program's Recruiting Coordinator, helping to build the foundation and shape the future of Mountaineer football. 

"Solo has played a critical role in the football program, and the transformation of our defense under his guidance speaks for itself. Beyond on-field success, he is deeply invested in the academic excellence, personal growth, and character development of each player" Weissenfluh added. 

After serving as Defensive and Recruiting Coordinator, Solo Taylor now steps into the Head Coaching role. 

"I am fully committed to building a winning program on and off the field, while providing an excellent experience for our student-athletes," Taylor said. "I am excited to build a program that this university and the Eastern Oregon community can be proud of. We will create a culture centered on Playing for Each Other, with a team that consistently demonstrates energy, discipline, toughness, and the ability to finish."

With Taylor at the helm, he will continue to lead, develop, and inspire the Eastern Oregon University football program.


 
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