LINCOLN, Neb. - Nebraska Wesleyan head football coach Jacob Donohoe announced Wednesday the addition of two new assistant coaches, hiring Kevin Hyland as wide receivers coach and Chris Claybon as defensive backs coach. Both began duties immediately.
Hyland joins the Prairie Wolves after spending the 2025 season as an analyst at University of Akron, where he was the point person for opponent film breakdown and signaling operations. He charted defensive fronts, pressures and coverages in detail and assisted in constructing the program's transfer portal database.
Prior to Akron, Hyland served as assistant offensive line coach at Fordham University and previously worked as a graduate assistant at Northwestern State University. His experience includes coordinating scout teams, designing practice cards and coaching both receivers and offensive linemen.
"I am excited for Kevin Hyland to join us on the offensive side of the ball coaching the wide receivers," said Donohoe. "It is going to be fun watching the wide receivers grow fundamentally with his impressive knowledge and attention to detail in coaching."
Hyland said he looks forward to building a fundamentally sound and explosive receiver room.
"It's an honor and a privilege to join Coach Donohoe's offensive staff," Hyland said. "I've seen firsthand how detailed and sound his offensive system is, and I'm excited to contribute to that."
Claybon arrives in Lincoln after serving the past two seasons as a student coach working with cornerbacks at Kansas State University. During his time in Manhattan, the Wildcats posted 15 combined wins and developed three All-Big 12 honorable mention selections in the secondary.
"I am excited for Chris Claybon to join us here at NWU as the defensive backs coach," said Donohoe. "His experience playing on the offensive side of the ball and coaching on the defensive side gives him a variety of knowledge to be able to help our defensive backs football IQ."
At Kansas State, Claybon assisted with scout team preparation, presented detailed film breakdowns to the secondary and compiled weekly down-and-distance and passing tendency reports for the defensive coordinator. He also helped build recruiting boards and evaluated prospects in Texas and Georgia. A former wide receiver at Baker University, Claybon brings experience on both sides of the ball.
"I am blessed for the opportunity to coach the defensive backs here at NWU," said Claybon. "I believe Coach Donohoe and Coach Earp have the knowledge and experience to lead a successful program. We have a great group of DBs and I'm excited to teach them and watch them develop."
The Prairie Wolves continue offseason meetings and workouts in preparation for the 2026 campaign.
