Joe Woodley, one of the most accomplished coaches in the history of NAIA football, was named head football coach at Drake University, Athletics Director
Brian Hardin announced on Monday, December 23.
A native of Clive, Iowa, Woodley comes to Drake after spending the last 17 years across town at Grand View University. He began his tenure at Grand View as an assistant for over a decade, coordinating both offense and defense at different stages, and has spent the last six seasons as the Vikings' head coach, replacing his father, Mike.
"I am humbled and honored to be the head football coach at Drake University," Woodley said. "I look forward to working at a first-class institution, coaching at the FCS level, and the challenge to help take this program to heights it has never been. Most importantly, I look forward to working with the players to help them reach their potential on and off the field."
Woodley guided the Vikings to an undefeated season in 2024, punctuated by winning Grand View's second NAIA national championship last Saturday. Woodley was an assistant coach with the 2013 Vikings team that capped an undefeated season with the school's first football title. In his six seasons as head coach, Woodley led the Vikings to the NAIA quarterfinals twice, the NAIA semifinals twice, and two NAIA title games. He amassed a record of 72-5 and never lost a regular season game.
Individually, Woodley was named North Division Conference Head Coach of the Year in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024. As offensive coordinator in 2018, Woodley's bunch was ranked in the top 25 nationally in points per game, rushing yards per game, and yards per game. Prior to that, Woodley coordinated a top 10 defense in nine seasons and was named the 2009 MSFA Midwest Assistant Coach of the Year and 2013 Football Scoop Coordinator of the Year.
In 2024, Woodley was one of 30 coaches identified by ESPN as coaches who will "define the next decade of college football." He was one of only four non-FBS coaches selected and the only coach from the NAIA.
He has also coached over 60 All-HAAC selections, seven AFCA All-Americans, six Heart of America Athletic Conference Players of the Year, five Heart of America Athletic Conference Offensive Players of the Year, and four Heart of America Athletic Conference Defensive Players of the Year. Most recently, Woodley helped quarterback Jackson Waring earn the 2024 NAIA Football Player of the Year award, the division's equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
"We are thrilled to add Joe Woodley to our athletics department as the next leader of our football program," Hardin said. "Joe is a championship coach who will add to the championship culture that exists within our football team and athletics department. Joe develops young men on and off the field, has significant name recognition in our region, and is widely considered a rising star in the coaching profession. We could not be more excited for Joe, Jen, and their kids to join our Drake Athletics family."
Prior to his time at Grand View, Woodley served as the defensive line and linebackers coach at Johnston High School under his brother, Brian. Before coaching the Dragons, he spent two seasons coaching the same positions at St. Ambrose University and helped the Fighting Bees to a 15-5 record and top 10 national defensive rating.
Woodley was an elite prep player at Valley High School, where he graduated in 1999. He was named a First Team All-State Linebacker and Central Iowa Metro League Player of the Year as a season. As a collegian, Woodley competed at Iowa State and captained the Cyclones to three bowl appearances from 1999-2003.
Drake will host an introductory press conference marking Woodley's official welcome on Sunday, Dec. 29 in the Morrison Room within the Knapp Center. Woodley's availability will start at 1 p.m., and then will be introduced to Bulldog fans at the Drake men's basketball game that afternoon.
What they're saying…
"Joe Woodley is a tremendous leader with a proven track record of success both as a football player and coach. He will build a program that embodies character, toughness, accountability, and discipline. I congratulate Drake on an outstanding hire and look forward to following the program as Coach Woodley leads success." -- Matt Campbell, Iowa State University football coach
"Joe Woodley is an outstanding football coach. He was a great high school and college player in this state and learned to be a successful coach alongside, and then succeeding, his father, Mike. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Joe and the entire Woodley family. He will do very well leading the Drake program." -- Kirk Ferentz, University of Iowa football coach
"Joe Woodley is an incredible leader of young people and a fantastic hire by Drake. He comes from one of the all-time most successful families in the state of Iowa. Joe has brought all his special attributes as a student-athlete at Valley High School and Iowa State like pride, toughness, character, discipline, and loyalty, to his coaching. His record at Grand View is unmatched and any school in America should be so lucky to welcome Joe and his family. To the Drake administration, great job on your selection. And to the Drake students, fans, and alumni, get your tickets now because some real special football seasons are ahead." -- Dan McCarney, former University of Iowa and Iowa State University football coach
"Joe Woodley is a natural born leader and success has followed him everywhere he's been. He has a tremendous ability to motivate and elevate all thouse around him. The Drake fans are in for a tremendous ride." -- Paul Rhoads, former Iowa State University football coach and current Mississippi State University football analyst
"Joe Woodley is a home run hire for Drake. I've known Joe and the Woodley family for many years. He is a tremendous coach who grew up around the game. He has an unmatched enthusiasm for developing players to be their best. He will embraces the culture and history of Drake football and will continue to push the program to new heights." -- Chris Ash, Drake alum and former NCAA FBS head coach and NFL scout
"Joe is an outstanding coach and an even better person. He will do a great job mentoring and developing the players that take the field for him at Drake. I would be honored to have my sons play for Joe. I am certain that Joe will elevate the Bulldogs program to a championship level and create an environment where players will succeed on and off the field. Joe Woodley will certainly make the city of Des Moines and the state of Iowa proud of the Drake University football program." -- Tony Alford, University of Michigan Running Game Coordinator/Running Backs Coach
"As a proud Drake alum, I could not be more excited about the news that Joe Woodley is now the head football coach of the Bulldogs. I have known him and the Woodley family for over 25 years. He knows what it takes to win the right way. I have no doubt that he will demand the best from everyone involved in the program and make all of us proud." -- Charlie Partridge, Indianapolis Colts Defensive Line coach
