Drake has hired Grand View University head coach Joe Woodley to lead its program, the Bulldogs announced Monday.
Woodley is two days removed from leading Grand View to a 14-0 season and its second national championship, dethroning defending national champion Keiser (Fla.) 35-7 this past Saturday. In six seasons leading the program, Woodley went 72-5 and never lost a conference game.
Prior to taking over, Woodley spent 11 seasons as an assistant, at different points serving as offensive and defensive coordinator while coaching for his father, Mike. The 2013 FootballScoop NAIA Coordinator of the Year as Grand View's defensive coordinator, Woodley also coordinated an offense that ranked among the top 25 nationally in points, yards, and rushing yards.
"I am humbled and honored to be the head football coach at Drake University," Woodley said. "I look forward to working at a first-class institution, coaching at the FCS level, and the challenge to help take this program to heights it has never been. Most importantly, I look forward to working with the players to help them reach their potential on and off the field."
The move from NAIA to Division I will be a short one for Woodley. Grand View and Drake are located three and a half miles apart in Des Moines, Iowa.
"We are thrilled to add Joe Woodley to our athletics department as the next leader of our football program," AD Brian Hardin said. "Joe is a championship coach who will add to the championship culture that exists within our football team and athletics department. Joe develops young men on and off the field, has significant name recognition in our region, and is widely considered a rising star in the coaching profession. We could not be more excited for Joe, Jen, and their kids to join our Drake Athletics family."
Woodley takes over for Todd Stepsis, who took the Northern Iowa job. Stepsis guided Drake to back-to-back Pioneer Football League championships and FCS playoffs berths in 2023-24.
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