WILKES-BARRE – On Monday morning, the next era of the Wilkes University football program began as Wilkes Athletic Director Scott Musa announced that David Biever will be the next head coach of the Colonels.
 
"We are excited for Dave to take the next step in his career here at Wilkes by taking over our football program," said Musa. "Over the last decade, David has demonstrated a commitment to our Wilkes mission and has a deep understanding of the Division III philosophy. His dedication to the development of our student-athletes in all areas of their experience has always been on full display over his time at Wilkes and we look forward to that continued leadership as he steps into the role of head coach," he added.
 
Biever takes over after Jonathan Drach stepped down on December 29 to become the head coach at Union College (NY). He inherits a program that has seen continued success over the past six seasons including six straight years with five or more wins dating back to 2017.
 
Biever has been with the program since 2014 when he coached the tight ends in his first season before taking over the offensive line in 2015.  He has also served as the recruiting coordinator for the program since the 2018 season. Biever saw individual success in his position group having coached six all-conference offensive line selections during his tenure including First Team member Billy Anderson (Mount Carmel, PA/Mount Carmel Area) in 2022, Mike Litwak (2014 - Honorable Mention), Ryan Bowman (2015 - Honorable Mention, 2016 - Honorable Mention, 2017 - Second Team), and Aidan Palochik (Nazareth, PA/Nazareth Area) (2022 - Honorable Mention). Anderson was also named Third Team All-Region in 2022 and the MAC Football Senior Scholar-Athlete under Biever's tutelage.
 
"I am very fortunate to be given this opportunity to lead such a great program with such a rich tradition," stated Biever. "There has been a standard set here at Wilkes and I look forward to carrying that on for years to come," he added. "Wilkes is a place that relies on relationships and mentoring to develop student athletes into young professionals and our football program is going to flourish because of the relationships we build in this community."
 
Biever was elevated to Associate Head Coach in 2019 after the Colonels finished 8-3 overall and earned a postseason berth for the first time since 2010. The eight wins were also the most since the 2006 season when the Colonels went undefeated in the regular season, winning the MAC Championship and earning an NCAA berth.
 
Last season Biever helped lead Wilkes to its sixth straight year with five or more wins, including a second place finish in the program's first season in the Landmark Conference. Wilkes earned its first berth in the Chesapeake Bowl Challenge and posted a 35-17 victory at home over Bridgewater College in the Cape Henry Bowl to close the season.
 
"Dave's proven dedication, strategic abilities, and deep connection with our student-athletes exemplify the qualities we cherish and strive for in our Wilkes community.  I am confident that under his leadership, our football team will not only achieve new heights in athletic performance but also continue to embody the values and spirit that make Wilkes University truly outstanding," said President Greg Cant.
 
Prior to Wilkes, Biever began his coaching career at Pleasant Valley High School serving four years as the assistant varsity offensive and defensive line coach while also working as video coordinator and weight room supervisor. Biever coached three district qualifying teams at Pleasant Valley (2010, 2012, 2013) claiming the Co-Mountain Valley Conference championship in 2010. In 2012, Biever helped lead Pleasant Valley to the District 11 championship game against Parkland. Over his time at Pleasant Valley, Biever coached several All-Conference players including eight offensive linemen, seven defensive linemen and three tight ends.
 
"I am here because of hard work and dedication to a process and leaning on our mentality to get better each day," Biever noted. "For the past nine years at Wilkes, I never planned on being the head coach but with the mentorship and leadership of Coach Drach, I now have this unbelievable opportunity in front of me. Time to get to work and compete the Wilkes way."
 
Biever will begin his duties immediately as the Colonels finish off their winter recruiting period and begin preparations for spring practices ahead of the 2024 season.