Lincoln, Nebraska. (February 15, 2023) – William Lawrence has been named the defensive coordinator of the Nebraska Wesleyan University football team. He most recently held the position of defensive coordinator and inside linebackers coach at West Hills College. 

"I would like to thank Coach Keller and the rest of the University for the opportunity." Lawrence said. "It's a great feeling to be back in the Midwest. I look to bring a lot of energy and a blue collar mentality to the defense. I feel there is a great roster of student athletes, and I'm excited to get to work with them and build something special."

Lawrence spent one season in 2022 at West Hills College, where the Falcons finished the year as Golden Coast Conference champions after compiling a 6-5 overall record, including a 5-1 mark in conference play. One First Team All-Conference and All Region linebacker, one Honorable Mention All-Conference linebacker were developed by Lawrence in his role.

Lawrence, who is no stranger to the Midwest, worked as the defensive coordinator for the Graceland University Yellowjackets in Lamomi, Iowa, from 2020 to 2022. He also served as the team's defensive line coach and strength and conditioning coordinator in 2019. Graceland University ranked ninth in the nation for forced fumbles and recoveries while Lawrence was its defensive coordinator. During his time as a Yellowjacket, Lawrence also produced three All-Conference linebackers: one First Team, one Second Team, and one Honorable Mention.

In 2017, Lawrence started his career as a defensive line coach with the West Hills Community College Falcons in Coatlinga, California. In 2018, Lawrence moved to Missouri Valley College where he developed a 1st Team All-Conference linebacker.

Lawrence finished his undergraduate studies at Graceland University in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in Corrective Exercise & Performance Enhancement. During his senior year, he started all 11 games and made 21 tackles on the defensive line.

"After a nation-wide search, I am excited to announce that Will Lawrence will be the next defensive coordinator of the Prairie Wolves," said Head Coach Brian Keller. "Coach Lawrence is a proven play-caller and will instantly inject enthusiasm and effort into our defense.  I know our guys will appreciate his knowledge and leadership.  I can speak for our entire staff in welcoming Will to the Wesleyan community.  We are eager to get Will on campus as spring ball begins on March 27^th.  We have a lot of getting to know each other and preparation to do in that time."

The Nebraska Wesleyan University football team wrapped up their 2022 season with a 1-9 record, with a 0-8 mark in conference play.