Wilmington has named Bryan Moore as its new head football coach, according to Terry Rupert, vice president of athletic administration and director of athletics. He announced today the appointment is effective immediately.
"Bryan immediately rose to the top of the list due to his experience in helping rebuild football programs," said Rupert. "The committee feels that experience with Division III programs, including one in the Ohio Athletic Conference, will serve us well here at Wilmington. We are excited for Bryan to get started."
Moore comes to Wilmington after serving as the offensive coordinator at Bluffton. His offensive knowledge was evident as the Beavers established single-season school records in points per game, total yards per game and passing yards per game. Under his tutelage, Micah Roberson led NCAA Division III with 100 receptions in 2015.
Prior to coaching at Bluffton, Moore had a hand in helping Heidelberg resurrect its program. The Student Princes were 1-39 in the four years prior to the arrival of a new coaching staff, and within four years Heidelberg finished 8-2. The Student Princes qualified for the NCAA playoffs in year five.
He served as the offensive coordinator and special team coordinator for the Student Princes. Moore also coached the receivers, and two members of his receiving corps played in the National Football League. As offensive coordinator at Emory & Henry, he helped the Wasps to a five-game improvement in his only season.
His first full-time coaching experience came at Thomas More, where he was the strength and conditioning coordinator and special teams coordinator. He eventually was elevated to assistant head coach during his time with the Saints. Within his first three seasons with Thomas More, the Saints went from 3-7 to 10-0, and qualified for the NCAA playoffs.
"I want to thank President (Jim) Reynolds, the committee and especially Terry Rupert for giving me this opportunity," said Moore. "I believe we are on the same page with our vision for where we want this program to go. The amount of support for this football program on campus and within the alumni was evident on my interview. It takes an entire campus community to turn around a program, especially in the Ohio Athletic Conference.
"I believe Wilmington College has enough pieces in place to get it done.
"The opportunity to get back to the OAC was important to me," Moore continued. "To be within an hour of three major recruiting markets, the ability to offer some unique majors, and the addition of the Center for Sports Sciences, made the job very appealing. My family and I are anxious to get started."
He is married to Sheila Moore, and they have six kids, River Carpenter, Skye Carpenter, Landen Carpenter, Legacy Moore, Legend Moore and Honor Moore.