Wittenberg Football Head Coach BJ Coad

Bio

Wittenberg University announced the hiring of BJ Coad, Wittenberg Class of 2008, as the new head coach of Wittenberg Football on Dec. 1, 2025.

A Cincinnati native, Coad began his coaching career at Wittenberg University after earning four letters as an offensive lineman for the Tigers and graduating in 2008 with a degree in history. He spent four seasons as a Wittenberg assistant coach, helping the Tigers win two NCAC titles and make two NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, including a national quarterfinal run in 2009.

Coad later served as a graduate assistant at Syracuse University, where the Orange won a share of the Big East title and appeared in two bowl games. He then coached at Marian University and Butler University, mentoring multiple all-conference players and helping Marian capture the 2015 NAIA national championship. Returning to Marian as offensive coordinator in 2022-23, he guided the Knights to back-to-back NAIA Tournament appearances.

Coad earned a certificate of advanced studies from Syracuse in 2016. He and his wife, Ashley, have two children, Cecilia and Jamey.

At Wittenberg, Coad played for and coached under Joe Fincham, who retired in 2021 after compiling a record of 224-51 in 25 years as the Tigers' head coach. He replaced Joe Nemith, who coached the last three games of the 2025 season in an interim capacity after Jim Collins compiled a record of 20-17 as head coach from 2022-25.

Coaching History

• Wittenberg University Offensive and Defensive Line (2008-2012)
• Syracuse University, Graduate Assistant (2012-2013)
• Marian University, Offensive Line Coach (2014- 2018)
• Butler University, Offensive Line Coach (2019 -2022)
• Marian university, Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach (2022-2023)
• Ohio Dominican University, Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator (2023-2025)
• Wittenberg University, Head Coach (2025 – Present)