WMU Hosts Coastal Carolina in 2023 Season Opener

**New Eras Begin as Western Michigan Hosts Coastal Carolina in Season-Opening Showdown**

**Kalamazoo, MI** – A new chapter for both programs officially kicks off Saturday, September 2nd, as the Western Michigan Broncos open their 2023 football season at home against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. The highly anticipated non-conference matchup is set for a noon Eastern Time kickoff at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Fans unable to attend can stream the action live on ESPN+.

This inaugural contest marks the first time these two teams have ever met on the gridiron, adding an extra layer of intrigue to a game already significant for both sides as they debut new head coaches.

For Western Michigan, Lance Taylor makes his much-anticipated head coaching debut, stepping into the role after the departure of Tim Lester. Taylor arrives in Kalamazoo with a strong offensive background, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Notre Dame. Prior to that, he held coaching positions at Stanford and with the Carolina Panthers, bringing an NFL and Power Five pedigree to the Mid-American Conference. Taylor’s challenge will be to reignite a Broncos offense that finished last season 5-7.

“We’re incredibly excited to get this season started in front of our home crowd,” Taylor stated earlier this week. “Coastal Carolina is a formidable opponent, but our guys have worked tirelessly through spring and fall camp to prepare. We’re focused on establishing our identity and playing disciplined football.”

On the opposing sideline, Coastal Carolina welcomes Tim Beck as their new head coach. Beck, a veteran offensive mind, takes the helm after serving as offensive coordinator at NC State, and previously holding coordinator roles at Texas and Ohio State. He replaces Jamey Chadwell, who departed for Liberty after a highly successful tenure that saw the Chanticleers rise to national prominence. Beck inherits a program that finished a strong 9-4 last season, including a Sun Belt Conference championship appearance.

A significant boost for the Chanticleers is the return of star quarterback Grayson McCall. Despite the coaching change and interest from other programs, McCall chose to remain in Conway for his final season. The three-time First-Team All-Sun Belt selection has been a cornerstone of Coastal’s success, known for his efficiency and playmaking ability, and his decision to stay sends a strong message of continuity and championship aspirations under Beck’s new system.

Western Michigan, on the other hand, enters the season with a critical quarterback competition still underway. The battle for the starting signal-caller position features returning starter Jack Salopek, promising sophomore Treyson Bourguet, and Old Dominion transfer Hayden Wolff. Each brings different strengths to the table, and Taylor’s decision will be crucial in shaping the Broncos’ offensive attack.

Waldo Stadium, with a capacity of over 30,000, is expected to generate a lively atmosphere as Broncos fans get their first look at the new era under Coach Taylor. The non-conference matchup against a strong Sun Belt opponent like Coastal Carolina presents an early test for both programs and will be a key indicator of their direction for the 2023 season.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon ET. For live updates and behind-the-scenes content, fans can follow both teams’ official social media channels throughout the day.