Virginia University of Lynchburg Athletics

Brandan Rivers is entering his first season as the Assistant to the Athletic Director,  Defensive Backs, & Track & Field Sprint Coach for the VUL Dragons. He is also the Head of Strength for the Dragons going into 2025. Former Division I & II prospect and having coached at division III, Rivers brings a great resume for college football. 

Rivers started his higher education and football career playing Division 1 football and studying Sports Management for the West Virginia University Mountaineers.
 
West Virginia University Football                                                                                     
Morgantown, West Virginia

After 3 years Rivers, received a full ride scholarship to play for the formally known, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania now Penn-West Edinboro fighting Scots:

Edinboro University Football                                                                                            
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
2017 JR Season:

    
2018 SR Season: 

In 2017 Rivers Received his Certification from the Sales Foundation Academy of Chapel Hill, North Carolina 
In 2020, Rivers Earned His bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Edinboro University:
 Concentration: Sport Administration and recreation 
Minor: Business Administration

Rivers most recently served as the Interim Director of Track and Field for NCAA Division III Thiel College in Greenville, PA . Along with Coaching the Defensive Backs for the football team since 2023.

Director of Thiel College Track and Field & Cross Country:

Sprinter / Jumper / Hurdles Coach / Strength Coach Oct 2024- Present

Thiel College, Greenville, PA

• Coached all athletes on Thiel Track & Field & Cross Country teams.

• Head Strength Coach for the team achieving optimal athlete performance through sport specific training tailored for

individual skill levels.

• Managed team scheduling for all indoor and outdoor seasons.

• Managed team budget for competition, food, equipment, and transportation expenses.

• Handled all food ordering and pick up for team traveling.

• Coached Sprinters/ Hurdlers/ Jumpers implementing running form tactics and jump form. Also improved

explosiveness with plyometrics, barefoot exercise, and banded resistance training.

• Team was Led by SR Matthew Beuermann Distance, Alexis McFadden Triple/Long, & Zack Loeser High Jump all

scored top 5 in 2024 at the podium for Conference and even shattered multiple School Records (10k & 5k).

Continuing right in-to 2025 where seniors Lillian Briscoe mid-distance & Alexis Mcfadden lead the way in triple

jump and long jump. And broke a school record for the 1k shattering the record by 5 seconds. Along with the seniors

we had talented freshman with Adam Spaulding , Chance Loomis & Josh Williams all placing top 5 in high jump

and long jump at PAC Conference Championships. We also had Senior Nick Kobelius with a mark of over 13-

meters place top 5 for shot put. Lastly we took Gold in the 400meter with Imogen DeBlois a freshman running

59.00secs

• Coached and assisted in all areas of the team where value was needed and recruited several athletes which received full

ride scholarships for academics. Brought in over 10 student athletes nearly $500,000 in recruiting deals.

 

Thiel College, Greenville, PA

• Worked alongside of Head Coach Sam Bauman and was able to coach a competitive team in one of the

best NCAA Division III conferences in the nation the Presidents Athletic Conference.

• Was able to work in a dual system with Head Strength Coach Andrew Geisler Developing a sport science

backed Strength and Conditioning plan that proved to be a key factor in our athlete’s development. The

program in-season was led by Myself, with Geisler overseeing the program. We were able to prevent

injuries throughout the year due to the advanced strength and recovery tactics. Also adding 10 New

1000-pound club members.

• Coached over 90 athletes from OL/DL to CB/WR developing, teaching, and instilling a strong work ethic

and accountability in each athlete.

• Coached Strong Safeties 23’ & Cornerbacks 24’ on defense which proved to be the position groups that

would lead the way with several PAC All Conference players: Justin Logan CB, Luke Faber DL, Chad

Morningstar DL also leading the way for our defense to be one of the top defenses in the PAC 2 years

running!

• Was responsible for opponent break down on all offenses directing pass game, route concepts, and

personnel statistics through in-season game break down.

 

Previously, Rivers served as an assistant coach at Hubbard High School in Northeast Ohio coaching Receivers & Defensive backs, also acting as the Head of Strength for the Eagles.

Defensive Backs/ Wide Receivers / Strength Coach                                                                             
Hubbard High School, Hubbard, OH