Española Valley's Wilder takes over Sandia football program

There are uncertainties ahead, to be sure. A coaching staff to fill, athletes to learn, a new city to call home.

But Tylon Wilder, an admitted rodeo guy by trade and a former Marine, did make this assurance:

“We’re gonna be physical,” he said emphatically. “We’re gonna be physical.”

Wilder, 48, was quick to establish a tone as the former Española Valley head football coach, fresh off a magnificent 2024 season with the Sundevils, was officially announced Thursday as the new head coach of the Sandia Matadors.

“When the job opened up, I said, nah, they’re not gonna hire me, I’m not an Albuquerque guy,” Wilder said. “I never thought it would be attainable.”

Wilder takes over Sandia from Chad Adcox, who stepped down last month. Adcox remains the Sandia athletic director.

In three seasons in Española, Wilder was 23-12, and guided the Sundevils (9-4 last fall) into the Class 4A semifinals last November, where they were ousted by St. Pius. It was possibly the best football season ever for Española Valley.

Wilder, a Hobbs High graduate, was a resounding success with the Sundevils, who won a playoff game in 2023 and then two more postseason games last fall.

He joined the Marine corps out of high school, and spent over two decades in uniform. Before taking over at Española Valley, Wilder was coaching defense at Silver High.

“You know, I didn’t have any plans on leaving (Española Valley),” Wilder said. He interviewed with Sandia on Tuesday morning, and a couple of hours later, he said, he was told he had the job. “This happened so fast. There wasn’t really a process. It was like bang-bang, here I am.”

He most certainly leaves Española Valley in far better shape than when he arrived.

“That program, super sad as I am to leave … I’m leaving that program with 65-70 kids,” Wilder said. “When I got there, it was like 20.”

Sandia was a 4 seed two years ago, a 10 seed last November, losing both years to Rio Rancho. Sandia was 5-6 last season.

Wilder said getting a coaching staff together was a priority.

“(And then) add some of the little flair I’ve got, and keep it going,” he said.