Brandon “Bear” Earp begins his first season as defensive coordinator at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2026, joining head coach Jacob Donohoe’s inaugural Prairie Wolves coaching staff. Earp will oversee the Prairie Wolves defense while also contributing to special teams and overall defensive game planning.
Earp comes to Nebraska Wesleyan after spending the 2025 season at Truman State University, where he served as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator. During his time in Kirksville, Earp helped guide the Bulldogs to their first NCAA Division II playoff appearance in 31 years. He coached a rush defense that ranked among the top three in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and coordinated special teams units that led the league in both kickoff return average and punt coverage. Under his direction, Truman State produced two First Team All-GLVC performers, including a linebacker and a kick returner.
Prior to Truman State, Earp spent two seasons at Tyler Junior College from 2023 to 2024 as linebackers coach, assistant special teams coach and director of football operations. His impact was immediate, as the Apaches captured the 2024 Southwest Junior College Football Conference regular season championship, the program’s first since 1986. That season, Tyler ranked No. 1 nationally in sacks and produced the NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year. Earp mentored multiple NJCAA All-Americans and helped develop several Division I linebackers during his tenure.
In addition to his on-field responsibilities, Earp has experience in recruiting, scouting coordination, game management and football operations. His background includes creating weekly defensive and special teams scouting reports, managing travel logistics and budgets, and assisting with overall program organization.
A native of Princeton, N.C., Earp is a graduate of Appalachian State University, where he earned degrees in communications and economics while maintaining a 3.82 GPA. Known for his energy, attention to detail and ability to connect with student-athletes, Earp brings a modern defensive approach and proven player-development background to the Prairie Wolves program.
Earp and his wife, Anna, reside in Lincoln.
