Wake Forest, Bobby Muuss Sign Long-Term Contract Extension
7/22/2022 12:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer
Since his return to Winston-Salem in 2015, Muuss has led the Demon Deacons to the most wins in the country and seven-straight NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, while claiming two ACC Tournament titles and producing 30 professionals.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Wake Forest University and head men's soccer coach Bobby Muuss have signed a long-term contract extension, Director of Athletics John Currie announced today.
"My family and I couldn't be prouder to call Winston-Salem home and I am grateful each and every day for the opportunity to lead this historic program at such a prestigious University," Muuss said. "I am thankful to Ron Wellman for entrusting me with the opportunity to be head coach in 2015 and the continued support from John Currie, President Susan R. Wente, Ph.D. and the entire Wake Forest community as our program pursues annual goals of competing for ACC and NCAA Championships while providing the best student-athlete experience. A special thank you as well to all of our former and current staff and players along with our fans and The Congregation for their consistent passion and being the backbone to making Spry Stadium one of the best environments in college soccer."
"Bobby Muuss truly embodies the Pro Humanitate Spirit of Wake Forest University and strives each day to help provide a World Class Student-Athlete Experience for his student-athletes," director of athletics John Currie said. "Coach Muuss has led the Demon Deacons to historic success during his tenure as our head men's soccer coach and his program has brought significant Value to Wake Forest, Winston-Salem & Triad Communities as their home matches at the world-renowned Spry Stadium are can't-miss events for soccer fans across the state of North Carolina. This long-term extension is an example of Wake Forest's commitment to our student-athletes having success in the classroom, community and on the field."
Over the course of Muuss' first seven seasons leading the men's soccer program, Wake Forest has collected 115 total wins, seven-straight trips to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship and two College Cup appearances including a finals appearance in 2016.
The 115 victories are most in NCAA Division I men's soccer since the start of the 2015 season and 10 more than any other program.
Additionally, the Demon Deacons have been ranked No. 1 in the country 23 times –most in the country – and the team's 43 regular season wins in conference play tops the ACC.
Under Muuss' leadership, 30 Wake Forest men's soccer student-athletes have earned professional contracts including current Leeds United winger Jack Harrison and Canadian National Team defender Alistair Johnson. Muuss guided back-to-back MAC Hermann Trophy winners in Ian Harkes (2016) and Jon Bakero (2017), becoming just the sixth school to have two-straight winners.
In 2016, Harrison joined Tim Duncan as the only Wake Forest alumni to be selected No. 1-overall in a professional sports draft. Since 2017, nine members of the program have also earned MLS Homegrown Contracts, two more than any other program nationally.
On March 27, 2021, Muuss became the fastest NCAA Division I men's soccer head coach to reach 100 wins at his current institution in a 2-1 overtime victory against Louisville.
Muuss has also led philanthropic efforts in the Winston-Salem and Triad communities as the program won the HelperHelper Team Community Service National Championship earlier this year with more than 950 hours of community engagement hours logged alongside 15 organizations.
The East Islip, New York, native was named ACC Coach of Year four consecutive seasons from 2015-18, becoming the first coach in league history to earn the distinction four-straight times, doubling predecessor Jay Vidovich and former U.S. Men's National Team coach Bruce Arena.
Prior to being named the head coach at Wake Forest, Muuss spent eight seasons (2007-14) at the helm for Denver and was an assistant coach for the Demon Deacons from 2001-06 where he landed six top-20 recruiting classes and helped the team claim three ACC regular season titles.
What They're Saying About Muuss
"I am thrilled to hear the news that Coach Muuss has signed an extension. Bobby is a great leader and he has continued the outstanding tradition that we have enjoyed for many years. The alumni are proud of Bobby and his talented group of student-athletes. Coach Muuss, his staff and the team represent the program and the University with class and humility on the pitch, in the classroom and in the community. We look forward to supporting Bobby and the program as we compete for ACC and National Championships."
Jason Zaks ('96, MBA '00), Wake Forest Men's Soccer Alum & Managing Director, Raymond James
"Fellow soccer Deacs, it is with great pleasure that Coach Muuss has signed his contract extension and will continue his run as one of our most successful soccer coaches. What this means for soccer alums like myself is consistency! I am quite happy knowing that our facility, staff and systems will remain intact and incoming Wake Soccer recruits will benefit from Bobby's experience and knowledge."
Stef Hamilton ('85), Wake Forest Men's Soccer Alum & State Farm Insurance Agent
"What an exciting time to be a supporter and alum of Wake Forest men's soccer! The success that has been built over decades has only been accentuated with Coach Muuss at the helm and should continue in the years to come with his extension. Year after year, Coach Muuss has proven to build outstanding teams that consistently challenge for trophies and the future remains bright under his guidance!"
Ike Opara ('11), 2007 National Champion & Two-Time MLS Defender of the Year
Pete Hines ('91, P '25), Wake Forest Alum & Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications, Bethesda Softworks
"The future of Wake Forest men's soccer will continue to strive with Coach Muuss at the forefront. Fortunately for me, I was integrated into the program shortly after he was named head coach. What he has done in the community and with this team since speaks for itself. With help from him and his staff, I joined as a boy and left a man instilled with everlasting core values. The program is in great hands and no one is more deserving of this extension."
Machop Chol ('20), Wake Forest Men's Soccer Alum & current Atlanta United Winger
