Coach Brandon “Bear” Earp becomes the youngest coordinator in college football

Bear Earp, Truman State University’s former linebackers and special teams coordinator, recently accepted the defensive coordinator position at Nebraska Wesleyan University. At the age of 22, this makes him the youngest coordinator in all of college football history.

During his time at the University, Earp helped the team reach the Div. II football playoffs for the first time in 31 years. More specifically, as the linebackers and special teams coordinator, he helped coach two players to first-team All-GLVC nods. First team linebacker, Jack Weltha, appreciated Earp’s coaching and knew he wouldn’t be at the University for long because his skills would be in high demand.

“He was a straight shooter,” Weltha said. “I mean, there was no way around. He was gonna tell you straight, whether you wanted to hear it or not. And I admired so much about him, especially as an athlete. I knew he was gonna leave eventually, just because we bring in a lot of highly talented coaches.”

Earp was the Bulldogs’ fourth linebackers coach in just four years, as the athletic department aims to bring in highly qualified personnel for those positions. For a defensive coordinator position, the coach needs to be focused and reactive to anything the offense gives them, and what they can take away from the offense. 

Sophomore linebacker Dalton Brown appreciated Earp’s scheming style and his way of encouraging athletes to look at the game through strategy.

“He’s very big on your eyes, like, ‘were your eyes in the right spots?’ He talked about that a lot. He took pride in people and his position group, especially knowing what everyone else on the field is doing as well,” Brown said. “Our head coach has a tradition of the safeties being kind of like the quarterback of the defense. And he didn’t necessarily like that. He thought the linebacker should be.”

While Earp’s honesty and unique style brought improvement to the team, his commitment to organization will leave a lasting impact on the football operations for the University as a whole. 

Head football coach Kellen Nesbitt recalled that Earp’s efforts to keep the program running smoothly will stay in place even after Earp leaves.

“I think outside of just doing a really good job stepping in with the players themselves, Bear was a very organized coach,” Nesbitt said. “He did a lot of operations that go on behind the scenes. He was exceptionally organized for a young coach and really developed a couple systems that we’re going to continue to use from that standpoint. So I was very, very pleased with his organization and what he was able to help with some of our off-field systems and not just our on-field.”

Earp’s lasting impact on the University has been reflected in coaches and players alike, leaving behind a legacy of honesty, strategy and improvement. 

Even though he is excited for his new position at Nebraska Wesleyan, he remains appreciative of the foundation his former University has given him.

“I’m extremely grateful for my time at Truman State University and for the players, coaches and staff who made it such a special place to work,” Earp said. “The culture and support within the program played a major role in my development as a coach and as a person. I have nothing but respect for the university and football program that Coach Nesbitt has built, and I wish everyone at Truman continued success moving forward. I’m thankful for the foundation Truman provided and excited for the opportunity ahead.”