Wayne State Football Coach Resigns After 0-11 Season

Tyrone Wheatley steps down after leading the team to a disastrous winless campaign.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Tyrone Wheatley, the head football coach at Wayne State University, has announced his resignation after leading the team to a 0-11 season. Wheatley went 5-28 in his three years as the team's head coach, with nine of the 11 losses this past season coming by at least 17 points. In his resignation statement, Wheatley took full responsibility for the program's performance and said he believes this is the right decision for the student-athletes and the university.

Why it matters

Wheatley's resignation comes as a surprise, as many college football coaches are given more time to turn around struggling programs. However, the team's dismal performance and lack of competitiveness over the past three seasons likely led to increased pressure and scrutiny on Wheatley's leadership. This move opens the door for a new coach to try and rebuild the Wayne State football program.

The details

Wheatley, who just completed his third season as head coach of Wayne State, announced his resignation after leading the team to a winless 0-11 season. The team suffered nine losses by at least 17 points. In his resignation statement, Wheatley took full responsibility for the program's performance and said he believes this is the right decision for the student-athletes and the university. Incoming offensive coordinator Terrence Isaac will now take over as the new head coach.

  • Wheatley just completed his third season as head coach of Wayne State.
  • The 0-11 season just concluded a few months ago in late 2025.

The players

Tyrone Wheatley

The former head football coach at Wayne State University, who resigned after leading the team to a disastrous 0-11 season.

Terrence Isaac

The incoming offensive coordinator at Wayne State University, who will now take over as the new head football coach.

Erika Wallace

The athletic director at Wayne State University, who announced Wheatley's resignation and Isaac's promotion to head coach.

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What they’re saying

“As head football coach, I accept full responsibility for the program and the standards that come with this role. After thoughtful reflection, I have decided to step down, believing this is the right decision for the student-athletes and the university. I am sincerely grateful to our players, coaching and support staff, alumni, and supporters for their dedication and belief -- it has been a privilege to serve this community.”

— Tyrone Wheatley, Former Head Football Coach (Newsweek)

“We thank Tyrone for his leadership and commitment to the success of our student-athletes over the past three years. We are fortunate to have someone of Terrence Isaac's caliber to guide our program forward, while continuing to support our student-athletes and the standards we expect at Wayne State.”

— Erika Wallace, Athletic Director (Newsweek)

What’s next

Terrence Isaac will now take over as the new head football coach at Wayne State University, tasked with rebuilding the program after its disastrous 0-11 season under Tyrone Wheatley.

The takeaway

Wheatley's resignation after just three seasons as Wayne State's head coach, despite the team's poor performance, highlights the high expectations and pressure that come with leading a college football program. The transition to a new coach provides an opportunity for the Wayne State football team to regroup and try to turn things around after a historically bad season.