DENVER – Heading into the spring season ahead of his fourth fall campaign with the University of Denver men’s soccer program, former assistant coach Jamie Franks has been named the 10th head coach of the program, Associate Vice Chancellor for Sport Supervision and Internal Operations Ron Grahame announced Friday.

“Jamie has shown an ability to be successful in his time as an assistant at Denver, and we’re confident that he will continue to propel the program forward as the head coach,” Grahame said. “He has exhibited a strong understanding of the game, which along with his work ethic, attention to detail and dedication to getting better each and every day will go a long way towards growing our men’s soccer program at the University and in Colorado.”

Franks fills the void left by former head coach Bobby Muuss, who took the head coaching job at Wake Forest earlier this month.  Muuss served as the head man for the Pioneers for eight seasons, and finished his DU tenure with a 74-56-25 record and was 34-16-9 in league play as the Pioneer boss.

Since Franks’ arrival in 2012, the Pioneers are 35-17-8 and have made two-straight trips to the NCAA Tournament in addition to capturing a pair of Summit League regular season and tournament titles in DU’s first two years in the league.

“My wife and I would like to thank Vice Chancellor Peg Bradley-Doppes and Associate Vice Chancellor Ron Grahame for this wonderful opportunity to lead the Denver men’s soccer program into its next chapter,” Franks said. “I feel fortunate and honored to take over a program that Bobby has left in such a great position. I look forward to continuing the success and traditions built here over the years by the former players, coaches and supportive alumni. I am confident that my current players will continue to give the level of commitment needed to be successful in the classroom and on the field here at the University of Denver. The high level of expectations and standards required to be a part of the Denver men’s soccer program will ultimately help them prepare for life after college. ”  

As an assistant, Franks primarily worked with DU’s midfielders and forwards, a group that has scored 110 goals in the last three seasons, ranking in the top-15 in the country in 2012 and 2013. Franks also served as the recruiting coordinator under Muuss, while managing the program’s film analysis and scouting. The Medford, N.J., native also managed the program’s budget and assisted in the program’s fundraising efforts over the last three seasons.

With Franks on the staff, the Pioneers have eclipsed the 10-win mark each season.  No stranger to the NCAA tournament, Franks has an overall record of 16-3-2 as a player and a coach. 

The Pioneers were undefeated at CIBER Field at the University of Denver Soccer Stadium in 2014, and have fashioned a 17-match winning streak on their home pitch dating back to September 22, 2013.

DU’s new bench boss joined the Pioneers after two years on staff with Wake Forest. The Wake Forest alum was a part of one of the most decorated classes in college soccer history.  He most recently played with the Rochester Rhinos in the USSF Division 2 Professional League before joining his alma mater to begin his coaching career.

Franks ranks fifth all time for games played (95) for the Demon Deacons from 2005-08. Franks scored seven goals and 20 assists, helping lead Wake Forest to two ACC championships, three College Cups, including the 2007 national championship.  After leaving Wake Forest, Franks was selected by Chivas USA in the fourth round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Prior to college, Franks played on the US U-18 National Team.

After his first season of professional soccer in 2009, Franks joined the Wake Forest staff as the Director of Soccer Operations where he worked with media and film applications. During the 2009 season at Wake Forest, the Demon Deacons advanced to their fourth-consecutive College Cup. After a brief hiatus on staff at Wake Forest, he rejoined them in 2011 as the Volunteer Coach.

Franks graduated from Wake Forest with a bachelor's degree in communication and successfully completed the Business Management Program at the Calloway School of Business.

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