Jacob Donohoe Named 26th Head Football Coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University
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Nebraska Wesleyan University has appointed Jacob Donohoe as its new head football coach, ushering in a new era for the Prairie Wolves program. Donohoe, whose appointment was announced today, will begin his duties immediately, following a comprehensive nationwide search.
A Proven Offensive Mind
Donohoe arrives at Nebraska Wesleyan with a strong track record of success, most recently serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Coe College. In 2025, he spearheaded one of the most potent offensive seasons in Coe’s history, guiding the Kohawks to a 9-3 record and a second-round appearance in the NCAA Division III Playoffs.
“Jacob has tremendous experience in working with and coaching successful football programs at all levels,” stated Director of Athletics Dwight Merilatt. “I know our football student-athletes will thrive under Jacob’s leadership and our team will have much success under his style of play in the American Rivers Conference.”
Dominating Offensive Statistics at Coe College
Under Donohoe’s direction, Coe College dominated the American Rivers Conference offensively in 2025. The Kohawks amassed impressive statistics, scoring 65 total touchdowns – 21 more than any other team in the conference – and totaling 456 points, a margin of nearly 120 points over the second-highest scoring team. They averaged 38.0 points per game and a conference-leading 480 yards of total offense per contest.
The Kohawks excelled in both facets of the running and passing game, racking up 2,346 rushing yards and a conference-best 3,415 passing yards for a combined 5,761 total offensive yards – a new school record. Coe also established new program benchmarks for passing yards and touchdowns, completing 34 touchdown passes and adding 26 rushing touchdowns.
Donohoe’s coaching prowess was further highlighted by the development of quarterback Brady Kelly, who was named the 2025 American Rivers Conference Offensive Most Valuable Player. He also mentored seven All-Conference offensive selections. His responsibilities at Coe encompassed weekly game planning, offensive installation, and the organization of all offensive meetings and practice schedules.
Donohoe’s Vision for Nebraska Wesleyan
“I’m honored to be named the head football coach at Nebraska Wesleyan University,” Donohoe said. “I am excited to start building relationships with not only the members of the university, but the alumni and the Lincoln community. I want to thank the administration, especially President Darrin Good and Director of Athletics Dwight Merilatt for giving me the opportunity to lead the Prairie Wolves football program.”
Donohoe brings a diverse coaching background to Nebraska Wesleyan, having previously served as offensive line and run game coordinator, as well as recruiting coordinator, at Tyler (Texas) Junior College. During his tenure at Tyler in 2024, he contributed to the program’s Southwest Junior College Football Conference Championship, focusing on run-game strategy and overseeing all recruiting operations.
Extensive Coaching Experience
Prior to Tyler, Donohoe spent several seasons at Illinois State University, holding roles as a graduate assistant offensive coach and later as director of recruiting and offensive quality control. As a graduate assistant in 2019, he was part of a coaching staff that led the Redbirds to the FCS Championship Quarterfinals. He was responsible for organizing quarterback and wide receiver meetings, assisting with game planning, and supporting recruiting efforts.
As director of recruiting at Illinois State, Donohoe managed all aspects of the recruiting process, including scholarship allocation, recruiting board management, official visit coordination, and the creation of scouting reports and offensive play calls. His coaching career began at Coe College in 2021, where he served as an assistant offensive coach working with wide receivers, contributing to the program’s offensive foundation and player recruitment.
Before transitioning to coaching, Donohoe enjoyed a playing career at Illinois State University from 2014 to 2016, competing as both a quarterback and wide receiver. He was a member of teams that reached the 2015 FCS National Championship Game and won Missouri Valley Football Conference championships in both 2014 and 2015.
Donohoe holds a Master of Science in psychology of sport and physical activity from Illinois State (2019) and a Bachelor of Science in agriculture business (2017).
Nebraska Wesleyan football, a competitor in the American Rivers Conference, is poised to embark on a new chapter under Donohoe’s leadership, with a focus on player development, offensive innovation, and fostering strong relationships within the program and the broader Lincoln community.
For further information, please contact Braden Smith, director of athletic communication, at 402.465.2151 or [email protected].
