JACKSON, Miss. – A familiar face and defensive innovator returns to Harper Davis Field as Brandon Lechtenberg was named the next Millsaps College head football coach, the Millsaps College Department of Athletics announced on Wednesday.

Following an extensive nationwide search, Lechtenberg emerged as the top candidate having previously coached on the defensive side of the ball at the University of Central Oklahoma, University of Incarnate Word, UT Martin, Millsaps College and Texas Christian University (TCU).
 
He becomes the 23rd coach tasked to lead the Millsaps College football program, which dates back to 1920 as an NCAA member.
 
"My family and I are incredibly excited to return to Millsaps College and Jackson, Miss.," said Lechtenberg. "Working with the administration, faculty, and alumni, we will build a championship culture within the football program and build upon a proud football tradition."
 
Lechtenberg spent the previous two seasons as the defensive coordinator and linebacker coach at NCAA Division II Central Oklahoma. The Bronchos produced their first winning season since 2018 in his first year with the program. UCO totaled five All-MIAA players during Lechtenberg's two seasons and had the conference's third ranked cumulative defensive ranking in 2023.
 
Prior to that, he was the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach at NCAA Division I FCS Incarnate Word from 2018-21. The Cardinals won two Southland Conference titles in 2018 and 2021 and qualified for the FCS playoffs. While on the staff, the defense was the top regular-season scoring defense in the conference (Fall 2021) and was the top overall special teams unit (Spring 2021 and Fall 2021).
 
Additionally, the Cardinals' special teams forced the most turnovers (five) and scored the most touchdowns (three) in 2019. Under his tutelage, Lechtenberg coached two or more All-Conference linebackers on three occasions. He also recruited and coached a Freshman All-American in 2019.
 
In 2017, Lechtenberg was the secondary coach at another strong NCAA Division I FCS program in UT Martin. The Skyhawks finished top five nationally in scoring defense, total defense and passing defense. He also recruited from Kansas and Mississippi Junior Colleges thanks to his Magnolia State ties.
 
For six seasons from 2011-16, Lechtenberg was the Millsaps defensive coordinator. The Majors won two SAA titles in 2012 and 2013, while leading the conference in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense in 2012. He also served as the football program's academic coordinator during his time in Jackson.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Brandon, his wife Dee and their young family back to Millsaps," Millsaps College Director of Athletics Aaron Pelch said. "During his previous tenure as the defensive coordinator, Brandon was integral to the success and development of our student-athletes in both the classroom and on the field. Brandon is a tireless recruiter, an innovative defensive coach and has a tireless work ethic. I'm excited to see the next era of Millsaps football begin and I'm happy that Brandon will be the one leading our team."
 
Lechtenberg began his collegiate coaching career at TCU as a defensive graduate assistant and worked with video from 2008-11. Learning under head football coach Gary Patterson, Lechtenberg helped coach the Horned Frogs in the 2009 Poinsettia Bowl, 2010 Fiesta Bowl and 2011 Rose Bowl. TCU lead the nation in total defense in 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as scoring defense in 2010. The Horned Frogs finished ranked No. 7 (2008), No. 6 (2009) and No. 3 (2010).
 
Other coaches Lechtenberg credits for his football growth to this point include North Texas head football coach Eric Morris, while at Incarnate Word, and Central Oklahoma head football coach Adam Dorrel, a three-time national title winner.
 
Prior to the college ranks, Lechtenberg was the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator for Central City High School in Central City, Neb. from 2007-08. He also served from 2005-07 as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator at North Star High School in Lincoln, Neb.
 
Lechtenberg is married to Dee Anna and they have three children, Irene, Jayne and Harris. His brother, Adam, is also the head football coach at NCAA Division I FCS Central Connecticut State.
 
A native of Butte, Neb., Lechtenberg earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska (Bachelor of Social Science Education) and his master's degree from TCU (Master of Education – Education Administration).
 

COACH LECHTENBERG COLLEGE FILE
School	Seasons	Title
Millsaps	Present	Head Football Coach
Central Oklahoma	2022-23	Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach
Incarnate Word	2018-21	Special Teams Coordinator and Linebacker Coach
UT Martin	2017	Secondary Coach
Millsaps	2011-16	Defensive Coordinator
TCU	2008-11	Defensive Graduate Assistant

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