UW-La Crosse Football
Head Coach
Joel Dettwiler
Head Coach
Joel Dettwiler was named the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse head football coach February 7, 2011.
A native of Oregon, Wisconsin, Dettwiler was an assistant coach at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa since 2004. He was the linebackers coach and head strength coach from 2004 to 2008 before being named the Knights’ defensive coordinator in 2008, a position he held the last three seasons.
“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse football program,” said Detttwiler. “The program is of national championship caliber at one of the most respected Division III institutions in the country. I look forward to working with our great group of coaches and players to return this football program to national prominence. We will work to give the UW-L football family a product that they can be proud of, and one that they deserve.”
A 1997 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Dettwiler helped lead Wartburg to a 57-18 record in his seven years as an assistant. The Knights advanced to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Playoffs in 2004, 2008 and 2010 after claiming the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) title each season.
Wartburg led the IIAC in scoring defense, turnover margin and quarterback sacks in 2008 and 2010 under Dettwiler’s tutelage. He recruited in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois while at Wartburg and was the team’s academic coordinator.
Dettwiler served as an assistant coach and director of football operations at UW-Platteville from 2000 to 2004, coaching the defensive backs and linemen. He played in the Pioneers’ defensive backfield for four years and was a team captain in 1995. Dettwiler earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from UW-Platteville.
Along with his coaching duties at Wartburg, Dettwiler served as a lecturer in the computer science and physical education departments. He was also a lecturer in UW-Platteville’s general engineering and physical education departments. Dettwiler earned master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1999 (civil engineering) and from UW-Platteville (education) in 2002.
“I am so impressed with the commitment of Josh Whitman and his passion for all UW-L athletics,” added Dettwiler. “His attitude is contagious. My family and I are excited to become part of the UW-L community. You cannot find a better combination of community, university and athletics than at UW-L.”
Dettwiler and his wife, Kirsten, have two daughters, Ava (4) and Lillian (1).
A member of the American Football Coaches Association and Iowa and Wisconsin Football Coaches Associations, Dettwiler is also a USA Weightlifting Certified Club Coach. He is a member of the National Strength & Conditioning Association.
