ANNVILLE, Pa. – Rick Beard '90, M'92, director of athletics, announced that J.R. Drake will take over the reins of the football program as the acting head coach for the 2023 season following the retirement of Joe Buehler '89.
 
Drake, who has coached at LVC for 11 years, returned to The Valley for his second stint as an assistant coach in 2017 after spending two years at Louisburg College and two years at Anderson University. During the past six seasons, he has been the defensive coordinator, co-special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator, and academic coordinator. Drake's leadership helped the Dutchmen reach the program's first postseason game since 2013 and the first bowl game in 11 years last fall.
 
"It is a great honor to take over for Coach Buehler after his retirement," said Drake. "He has been a part of my life and has guided me with advice since I was 18. I look forward to building on the team's recent success and continuing the program's tradition of helping our student-athletes excel in the classroom, on the field, and in life after graduation."
 
In 2021, Drake's defensive unit had the best statical year in program history and was in the Top 10 in the country in pass efficiency defense and passing yards allowed. The defense was ranked in the top 50 out of 244 NCAA Division III teams. Drake has developed eight All-Conference players in the past four seasons, and Logan Grauer was named a special teams All-American in 2019. The Dutchmen were ranked first in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) in kickoff returns in 2018, first in blocked kicks in 2018 and 2019, second in turnovers and interceptions in 2019, and third in sacks in 2019 under his tutelage.
 
"J.R. knows the players and program inside out," said Beard. "He's achieved great success in every area and on both sides of the ball. His players believe in and support him, a sign of a great coach and leader."
 
As the recruiting coordinator, Drake is responsible for all aspects of Dutchmen recruiting. He handles the initial contact with all recruits and organizes all campus visits. Drake recruits in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, where he has enabled the Dutchmen to set program records for the largest recruiting classes in program history and most student-athletes from the Philadelphia area.
 
Drake was an LVC wide receiver from 2007–09 and a 2009 ECAC Bowl-winning squad member. After he finished his playing career, he joined the Dutchmen staff as the assistant wide receivers coach. While coaching he finished up his history degree at Millersville University. During his four years, Drake helped the team to three ECAC Bowl appearances and a pair of victories.

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