MILWAUKEE – Wisconsin Lutheran College 14th-year head football coach Dennis Miller has announced the hiring of Steve Donovan as the team's defensive coordinator. Donovan will also direct the strength and conditioning program for the Warriors.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to join the WLC coaching staff," said Donovan. "They have established something special here and I look forward to continue adding to the tradition."
Donovan joins the Warriors football coaching staff after spending the past four seasons on the sidelines at Valparaiso University, a Division I FCS member of the Pioneer Football League. He was the Crusaders' defensive line coach for the first three seasons and tight ends coach for one year. During his four-year stint, Donovan also served as assistant strength coach, film coordinator, and camp director.
"I am excited to have Steve join the staff," said head coach Dennis Miller. "His experience coaching and recruiting and his strong knowledge and background of the conference will be a great asset."
Prior to his role at Valpo, Donovan spent one year coaching the defensive line and linebackers at his alma mater and fellow Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference member, Benedictine University. The Eagles posted an 8-3 overall mark, including a perfect 7-0 record in the NACC on their way to their first conference championship since 1934. BenU qualified for the NCAA Division III playoffs in his only season coaching at the school.
The Chicago, Ill., native was a four-year letterwinner and a two-year starter for the Eagles. In his junior and senior season, he recorded 85 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, six quarterback sacks, four forced fumbles, and one interception. He earned NACC Honorable Mention accolades as a defensive lineman his senior year.
Donovan graduated from Benedictine in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in business administration, concentrating in management and organizational behavior. He received a masters degree in sports administration from Valparaiso in 2013.
Donovan is married to his wife, Whitney, and the couple resides in Milwaukee.