WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier Athletics & Recreation announced Friday that manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds has signed a five-year contract extension that will see him remain in the role through the 2030 season.

"We're excited to build on the foundation of long-term success that Coach Faulds has established," said Laurier's director of athletics and recreation Kate McCrae Bristol. "The growth of our football program can be credited to his ability to bring together a strong coaching staff dedicated to the personal development of our student-athletes and on-field success."
 
"Coach Faulds' passion and dedication to the Golden Hawks is a big reason why Laurier continues to be a special place to play," added McCrae Bristol. 

"As defending Yates Cup champions and Vanier Cup finalists, we look forward to having him continue leading the program through a time of exciting growth while adding more special moments in the foreseeable future."

Faulds, 41, will enter his 12th season (and 13th year) leading the Golden Hawks and is now the second-longest serving head coach in Laurier football history behind only Dave "Tuffy" Knight (19 seasons). Both Rich Newbrough and Gary Jeffries held the role for 10 seasons.

During his tenure, Faulds has compiled a 63-41 record (53-33 in the regular season, 10-8 in the postseason) patrolling the sidelines for the purple and gold. He just led the program to its first undefeated regular season since 2005.

The Eden Mills, Ont. native has guided Laurier to four Yates Cup finals, winning in 2016 and 2024, and was at the helm as the Golden Hawks won its first Uteck Bowl since 2005 this past campaign.

"I'm thankful and appreciative to our director of athletics, Kate McCrae Bristol, for this long-term deal," said Faulds. "I love our student-athletes and coaches. We are all proud of what we are building here with our football program."

"The continuity and stability within our coaching staff has been a big reason for our success. It's fantastic that this will continue."

Faulds is a three-time OUA football coach of the year, winning the Dave "Tuffy" Knight Award for a second consecutive season in 2024.

He went on to be named the winner of the Frank Tindall Trophy as U SPORTS football coach of the year for a second time, becoming only the second Golden Hawk head coach to win it twice, joining the Knight, who won in 1972 and 1979. 

Entering the 2025 season, Faulds is just seven wins away from passing Gary Jeffries for the second-most coaching wins in Laurier football history (69). Knight holds the program record with 99.