Who is Austin Furgatch?

Austin Furgatch is the newly appointed general manager of the UTEP Miners football team. He has previously served as TCU's player personnel associate and as a recruiting assistant at UCLA.

What was UTEP's record in the 2025 season?

The UTEP Miners football team finished the 2025 season with a 2–10 record, including a 1–7 mark in Conference USA play.

When will UTEP join the Mountain West Conference?

UTEP is set to join the Mountain West Conference in the 2026–27 academic year.

January 23, 2026

UTEP Miners Football Announces New General Manager

El Paso, TX, January 23, 2026

The UTEP Miners football team has appointed Austin Furgatch as their new general manager, aiming to strengthen the program ahead of their transition to the Mountain West Conference. Furgatch brings valuable experience from TCU and UCLA, where he excelled in player personnel and recruitment. His hiring signifies a commitment to enhancing the football program, especially following a challenging previous season. With a focus on local support and effective team management, the Miners seek to improve their competitive edge as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

EL PASO, TX – In a significant development for UTEP athletics, third-year head coach Scotty Walden announced the appointment of Austin Furgatch as the new general manager for the UTEP Miners football team. Furgatch, who previously honed his skills working in player personnel at TCU, brings a wealth of experience that could potentially rejuvenate the Miners’ program as they prepare for their transition to the Mountain West Conference in the 2026–27 academic year.

Furgatch comes to UTEP after a successful stint as TCU’s player personnel associate, where he was instrumental in evaluating talents, particularly running backs, defensive linemen, and linebackers. His responsibilities included compiling detailed reports on recruiting prospects and conducting advanced scouting analyses on future opponents, which reflect his comprehensive understanding of collegiate recruitment and player development. This experience aligns well with the needs of UTEP, especially after the Miners finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 2–10 record.

Prior to his role at TCU, Furgatch served as a recruiting assistant at UCLA, covering significant territories for talent scouting. His background includes writing extensive evaluation reports and constructing a solid transfer portal board, emphasizing his proactive approach to recruitment and team building. Furgatch’s journey started with an internship with the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and a brief stint with the Los Angeles Rams, providing him with a robust foundation in sports management.

Implications for UTEP Football

The hiring of Furgatch signals a proactive approach by UTEP to strengthen its football program amid recent struggles. With the transition to the Mountain West Conference, the Miners will need to become more competitive, attracting better talent to improve their overall performance. Furgatch’s previous success at TCU and UCLA offers hope for local fans who desire a turnaround in the football program’s fortunes.

Community Engagement and Athletic Development

The introduction of leadership roles like that of Furgatch emphasizes the importance of community and institutional investment in sports. By reinforcing the management structure of the Miners, UTEP seeks to rally both local support and alumni investment that can enhance athletic resources. The university’s focus on developing a strong football program serves as a vital component in fostering community spirit and pride in El Paso.

Strategic Moves in College Football Landscape

As the Miners gear up for their move to the Mountain West Conference, the potential benefits of joining this larger football landscape can yield considerable growth both athletically and economically. Improved competition levels not only boost player recruitment but can also draw greater attendance and financial opportunities for the program and surrounding businesses in El Paso. Furgatch’s addition to the UTEP athletics landscape comes at a pivotal time as the program looks to capitalize on this shift.

Investment in Future Success

Furgatch’s educational background, featuring a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the University of Miami, positions him uniquely to leverage strategic initiatives that enhance player performance and recruitment. His blend of practical experience and academic training may prove essential in transforming the Miners into a more competitive and financially sound program.

Conclusion

As UTEP Football enters a new chapter with Austin Furgatch at the helm as general manager, the Miners are poised for change. The collaboration between university athletics, local investment, and community involvement could forge a pathway to greater success on the field. As fans and followers, there has never been a better time to engage with and support UTEP athletics, fostering a culture of victory that reflects not only on the program but the entire El Paso community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Austin Furgatch?: Austin Furgatch is the newly appointed general manager of the UTEP Miners football team. He has previously served as TCU’s player personnel associate and as a recruiting assistant at UCLA.
What was UTEP’s record in the 2025 season?: The UTEP Miners football team finished the 2025 season with a 2–10 record, including a 1–7 mark in Conference USA play.
When will UTEP join the Mountain West Conference?: UTEP is set to join the Mountain West Conference in the 2026–27 academic year.

Feature	Details
New General Manager	Austin Furgatch appointed as UTEP Miners football general manager.
Previous Experience	Served as TCU’s player personnel associate and UCLA’s recruiting assistant.
Education	Earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the University of Miami in 2021.
UTEP’s 2025 Season Record	Finished with a 2–10 record, including a 1–7 mark in Conference USA play.
Conference Change	UTEP is set to join the Mountain West Conference in the 2026–27 academic year.