The architect of Utah’s No. 1 high school football program is testing himself in deeper waters.
Eric Kjar, a seven-time state champion as a head coach, is taking over at Weber State, the university announced Tuesday.
He will now run a program trying to return to the FCS playoffs and reach the heights touched by former head coach Jay Hill.
“Coach Kjar is absolutely the right leader at the right time,” Weber State athletic director Tim Crompton said in a statement. “His deep Utah roots, proven leadership, and unwavering ability to build a program on a foundation of talent and character are the precise qualities that Weber State is looking for to define our next era of football.”
Kjar won state titles while coaching Jordan High and, most recently, at powerhouse Corner Canyon. He gained a reputation for producing NFL talent at the quarterback position and coaching multiple college stars.
He mentored current New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and former No. 2 overall draft pick Zach Wilson. Dart and Wilson played at Ole Miss and BYU, respectively.
Kjar is coming off a three-peat at Corner Canyon, winning titles in 2023, 2024 and 2025. In 2022, he lost the state final to Skyridge.
“I’m very excited to be leading the Weber State football program,” Kjar said in a statement. “I believe strongly in the administration and the current roster and the talent in the state of Utah. I know we can build a championship-caliber program at Weber State, and I look forward to the challenge and getting started.”
Weber State is hoping Kjar will bring some of his quarterback coaching acumen up north, along with his ability to recruit in Utah.
When Hill had Weber consistently making deep runs in the FCS playoffs, he identified local recruits who could play at a higher level. He recruited future Power Four starters, including Eddie Heckard, Jack Kelly and Marc Collins to Ogden.
Weber State fell on hard times after Hill left for BYU’s defensive coordinator position.
Former coach Mickey Mental was fired after three years, going 13-20. The program went 4-8 this year and didn’t have a winning season the last two years.
Kjar’s seven titles were inching close to the most all-time in Utah. There are three coaches in the state’s history with eight.