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The Sports Network
Macomb, IL (Sports Network) - Brian Ward has been named Western Illinois'
new defensive coordinator, head football coach Mark Hendrickson announced
Tuesday.
Ward was Drake University's defensive coordinator last season when the
Bulldogs posted a 9-2 record and shared the Pioneer Football League
championship.
Drake ranked second in the FCS in rushing defense (77.2 ypg), third in red
zone defense, fifth in sacks (39), seventh in scoring defense (17.8 ppg), 10th
in total defense (295.4 ypg allowed), 13th in tackles for loss (7.7) and 23rd
in pass efficiency defense.
Ward coached against Western Illinois in 2010 while he was the defensive backs
coach at North Dakota State.
A 1997 graduate of McPherson College, Ward spent three seasons as its head
coach from 2007-09. He compiled a 17-14 record and led the Bulldogs to a 9-2
record and their first berth in the NAIA Football Championship series in 2009.
He also has coach at Wabash College, Glendale Community College and Tulsa
Union High School.
Western Illinois finished with a 2-9 record and was last in the MVFC with a
1-7 mark last season.
The Sports Network