The Drake University football team has promoted Kirk Wherritt to offensive coordinator, head coach Todd Stepsis announced Wednesday, Jan. 29.
 
Wherritt is set for his third season in 2020 with Drake after coming from Trinity International, where he was the head coach for eight seasons. He has coached the Bulldogs' running backs the past two seasons, including recently graduated Drew Lauer, who had an outstanding final season in 2019.
 
"After an extensive search, it became crystal clear that the right man for the position was right under our nose," Stepsis said. "Not only is Kirk a great football mind with many years of experience as a play-caller and head coach, but he is also an incredible person. The relationships he has formed with the student-athletes and team over the past two years here will enhance our success. I am thrilled to see the new heights our offense can reach with Kirk leading the way."
 
Lauer collected his first career All-Pioneer Football League honor by being named to the second-team offense in 2019. He rushed for 1,127 yards, the most by a Bulldogs' back since Scott Phaydavong had 1,194 in 2007. Lauer led the team in touchdowns with 15, including 12 rushing.
 
Wherritt was the longest-tenured head coach in Trinity history. In his eight years at the helm of the Trojan program, he helped guide 52 players to MSFA All-Conference teams and 23 to NCCAA All-American honors.
 
Before his time at Trinity, Wherritt spent three seasons at UNLV, where he coached the defensive line for two seasons and coached the tight ends in his final season.
 
Wherritt began his coaching career at Utah in 2004 and assisted quarterbacks coach Dan Mullen, who is now the head coach at Florida. He received his bachelor's degree from Milwaukee and his master's degree from UNLV.