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Logan • Utah State athletic director John Hartwell has met with football coach Matt Wells "multiple times over the last several weeks" to examine, discuss and implement changes in "all aspects of our program."

According to Hartwell, Wells will return for his fifth year as the head coach despite finishing 3-9 this season. Utah State went 1-7 in the Mountain West Conference, including four losses by 18 points. USU missed qualifying for a bowl game for the first time since 2010.

Wells is under contract through the 2019 season after signing an extension last year.

"Obviously, 3-9 is not where any of us want to be or expected to be," Hartwell told The Tribune. "But the difference between winning and losing is such a fine line. Yes, a couple of times we were not in the ballgame. But, when you look back at the season, you see many games that could have gone either way."

Hartwell declined to discuss the changes that are going to be made within the program, but firing Wells is not being considered.

He said a letter detailing his discussions with Wells and the upcoming changes will soon be sent to season ticket holders.

"Matt and I have had a continuing dialogue," Hartwell said. "He has been receptive to the ideas we've been talking about."

Hartwell understands a segment of the Utah State fan base is upset after such a disappointing season, but believes the unhappiness is a byproduct of the success the Aggies enjoyed when they went 19-9 in Wells' first two seasons.

"When you have a dip in that success level, folks are upset," Hartwell said. "But I'm one of those people who won't disagree with the folks who get upset because that tells me they are passionate and they care."

Utah State lost seven of its last eight games this season. Going back to last year, the Aggies are 5-14 in their last 19 games. They have lost nine straight on the road.

"[Going] 3-9 is going to be a driving force for all of us associated with the football program," Hartwell said. "Nobody is taking the disappointment of the season harder than Matt. … I have complete confidence in him, going forward."

A former Aggie quarterback, Wells' record as head coach is 28-25.