Sign in Subscribe
College sports

Illinois Wesleyan University Athletics Announces Hiring of Three Assistant Coaches

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As student-athletes prepare to report to campus, Illinois Wesleyan University head football coach Jared Williamson has announced the hiring of three assistant coaches: Kyle Koelblinger, Jacob Viccari, and Owen Brown. This move marks a significant step forward for the Titan Football program, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Titan Football Legacy Group, led by John Billhorn '83. The additions bring Williamson's coaching staff to a total of 11 members, including former teammates Mike Murray and John Billhorn, who have been instrumental in shaping the team's direction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kyle Koelblinger, a 2024 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has been hired as an assistant coach, focusing on defensive backs. Koelblinger was a three-time All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection and helped lead the Warhawks to a national runner-up finish in 2021.
  • Jacob Viccari, who returns to coaching after a stint at the Sewanee: University of the South, will work with IWU's wide receivers. A native of Roswell, Ga., Viccari earned his degree in economics and has experience in finance and real estate.
  • Owen Brown, a former offensive lineman for Augustana College, joins Williamson's staff as an assistant coach. Brown previously worked as an offensive analyst for the Quad City Steamwheelers of the Indoor Football League.
  • The Titan Football Legacy Group, led by John Billhorn '83, has been instrumental in making the additional coaching positions possible through fundraising efforts.
  • The team's coaching staff now consists of 11 members, including Williamson, Mike Murray, Tyler Holte, Thomas Flood, Eli Kosanovich, Andres Mestre, Adrian Robbins, and Robbie Pulliam.
  • The Titans are set to begin their 2025 season at Tucci Stadium on September 6, 2024, against Central College (Iowa).

Statistics:

  • 11: The total number of members on Williamson's coaching staff.
  • 3: The number of assistant coaches hired by Williamson, including Koelblinger, Viccari, and Brown.
  • 2021: The year in which Koelblinger helped lead the Warhawks to a national runner-up finish.
  • 2024: The year in which Koelblinger graduated with a degree in marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
  • 1: The time of day for kickoff at Tucci Stadium on September 6, 2024.

Sources:

  • [News Release by Illinois Wesleyan University Athletics, August 7]

Read more