Weber State basketball will retain Eric Duft, sees increased donor support
Coach enters 20th season with 'infusion of significant resources'
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- Weber State head coach Eric Duft directs his team during a game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Eugene, Ore.
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- Weber State head coach Eric Duft, right, gives instruction to players during a timeout against UC Irvine on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at the Dee Events Center in Ogden.
OGDEN — Weber State is moving forward with Eric Duft as men’s basketball head coach with what the university says is increased support to build success in the current environment of college sports.
Athletic director Tim Crompton confirmed the decision to the Standard-Examiner, saying multiple donors have stepped forward to fund NIL and other improvements for the men’s basketball program with Duft at the helm.
“Weber State basketball has a strong tradition and, while coming off a tough season presents its challenges, I believe in the potential of the program,” Crompton wrote in a statement to the Standard-Examiner. “The ever-changing landscape of college athletics — with the uncertainty around NIL and the constant movement in the transfer portal — makes it increasingly difficult to build and sustain success. However, I am confident that Coach Duft has a clear plan and, with a forthcoming infusion of significant resources and support, he will lead Weber State back to the top of the conference, competing deep into March.”
Details about those new contributions will be announced at a later time.
Duft’s original contract runs through March 31. His next contract will be formalized soon, Crompton said.
“Obviously the season didn’t go like we wanted it to. It’s not acceptable, we’ve got to do better,” Duft said. “I think everybody involved has made a commitment to do their part and we’re appreciative of that, and we’re going to get this back on track.”
The transfer portal opens to all players Monday. The public declaration gets Duft and his staff in place to sell players on the program and whatever NIL component may now be in play.
“In today’s environment, allowing coaches the time to navigate these unprecedented challenges is becoming less common, but it’s more important than ever. I’m not sure there has ever been a more difficult era to coach in than the one we’re in now,” Crompton said. “I know Coach Duft is committed to leading this program the right way — with integrity, determination, and a focus on building a successful program that lasts and makes all Wildcats proud.
“With the strong backing of our administration, the financial support from key donors, and the commitment of our fans, we are confident in the future of Wildcat basketball.”
Those recruiting efforts will be paramount. Such new support would give Weber State every avenue to end its nine-year Big Sky championship drought.
WSU went 12-22 in the 2024-25 season with a 5-13 record in the Big Sky. The season saw the Wildcats lose two senior starters to injury and included setting all-time program lows of 10 home losses, seven straight home losses to Division I teams, a ninth-place Big Sky finish and a .278 league winning percentage.
Duft’s three-year record at Weber State is 50-49 overall and 28-26 in Big Sky regular-season games. He’ll enter his 20th season at Weber State, fourth as head coach.
“We’ve been here a long time and we’re very committed to making sure this program is moving in the right direction. We put a lot of time and effort in that, and that’s not going to change,” Duft said. “We had a bad season and everybody’s got to look in the mirror, players and coaches. We all have to do better, and that starts with me.”
