SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Cal Poly found its new coach at the school that wooed its old one, hiring Army offensive coordinator Tim Walsh two weeks after Rich Ellerson the left the Mustangs to take over the Cadets.

"Tim Walsh brings all of the qualities we were looking for in a head coach," Cal Poly athletic director Alison Cone said on Friday. "He has been a successful head coach at two universities in California.

The 54-year-old Walsh spent the last two years at Army, where he was also quarterbacks coach. Before that he coached Portland State from 1993-2006 and Sonoma State from 1989-92, with his teams compiling a 117-82 record.

"I have a tremendous working knowledge of Cal Poly, its history and current status," Walsh said. "My goals are to continue to recruit student-athletes whose goals are to be the best they can be, both in the class and on the field, and become quality young men. If we do that, winning won't be a problem."

Ellerson went 56-34 in his eight years at Cal Poly, including 8-3 last year for a sixth straight winning season and third Great West Conference title in five years. His 56 wins are tied for the third-highest total at Cal Poly.

Walsh played football at UC Riverside in the mid-70s, and began his coaching career in 1977 at Serra (Calif.) High, his alma mater.

"He is a quality leader who understands the unique culture at Cal Poly," Cone said. "He has the ability to continue the success the Cal Poly program has enjoyed the last six years."