Northwest Missouri State University Men's Football

Head coach John McMenamin captured the program's 32nd MIAA regular season championship and guided the Bearcats to their 27th all-time playoff appearance in his first year at the helm of the Northwest Missouri State University football program. McMenamin was named the MIAA Coach of the Year and the AFCA Region 3 Coach of Year as the Bearcats went 9-3 overall and 8-1 in MIAA play in 2025. Northwest tallied 23 all-MIAA honors in 2025, including Clayton Power being named the league's Defensive Lineman of the Year and Zechariah Owens capturing the conference's Freshman of the Year award. Northwest Missouri State University Director of Athletics Dr. Andy Peterson appointed John McMenamin as the new head coach of the Bearcat football program on Dec. 5, 2024. McMenamin, a Bearcat alum, became the 21st head coach in school history. "I feel so fortunate and grateful for the opportunity that Dr. Lance Tatum and Athletic Director Andy Peterson have extended to lead this storied Bearcat football program," McMenamin said. "There is no other football program like this in the country. It's the university, the students, the community and especially the alums throughout the country that really make this such a special place to be. Until you've been a part of it, I don't think you can fully appreciate what it means to be a part of Bearcat football and this community. Once a Bearcat, Always a Bearcat truly hits home."   “I am thrilled to be able to bring Coach McMenamin back to lead our football program,” Peterson said. “His energy and passion for coaching and leading young men through the game of football just consumes you when you talk to him. I cannot wait to get him in front of our athletes, recruits, and all our stakeholders to cast his vision for the next iteration of Bearcat football. I know Coach McMenamin is focused and eager to quickly get connected to build meaningful relationships on behalf of Bearcat football.”   McMenamin, a native of Elkhorn, Neb., served as the offensive co-coordinator/pass game coordinator/wide receivers coach at Tulane University in New Orleans, La., from December 2021 to July 2023. He helped orchestrate the biggest one-year turnaround in NCAA history as the Green Wave went from 2-10 to 10-2. Tulane scored a 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic victory over USC, 46-45. The Green Wave ranked No. 9 in the nation in team passing efficiency (160.48), No. 18 in scoring (36.0 points/game) and No. 20 in red-zone offense (86.8 scoring percentage).   Northwest will be McMenamin’s second head coaching job. He was the head coach at Wayne State College in Wayne, Neb., from December 2019 to December 2021 when he left to go to Tulane. McMenamin delivered the program’s first seven-win seasons in 11 years with a 7-4 record that included victories over nationally-ranked foes in Minnesota-Duluth and Minnesota State. McMenamin helped expand the Wildcat football roster from 55 to 120 players through focused recruitment. In his previous stint at Wayne State, McMenamin was the offensive coordinator from April 2011 to December 2014.   McMenamin was the offensive coordinator at the University of Central Missouri from January 2015 to December 2019. The Mules had the No. 1-ranked total offense in NCAA Div. II football in 2019 (547.5 yards/game) and the No. 2-ranked total offense in 2017 (524.4 yards/game). He coached quarterback Brook Bolles to a pair of Harlon Hill finalist nods (8th in 2017; 6th in 2019).   McMenamin served as offensive coordinator at Midland University in Fremont, Neb., in 2009-2010 where he helped turn around a Warrior program that went 8-3 in 2010 while finishing No. 22 nationally in NAIA. It was the school’s most successful football season in the previous 16 years. McMenamin was credited with making Midland University one of the top rushing teams in NAIA football, ranking as high as 12th in 2009. He also served as an assistant coach at Nebraska-Omaha from 2006 to 2008, where he was hired as wide receivers coach in 2006 before being promoted to quarterbacks coach in the spring of 2007.   McMenamin also has high school coaching experience, serving as the offensive coordinator at Omaha Central High School in 2004 and 2005 before moving to the college ranks. He helped Omaha Central get to the state playoffs in 2004 and 2005.   McMenamin played football at Northwest from 1998 to 2002 and was a part of two national championship squads in 1998 and 1999. He was a member of four MIAA championship squads and was voted a team captain in 2002.   He was a first-team all-MIAA quarterback in 2002. McMenamin set 27 Northwest and MIAA passing records during his playing days. He still holds the Northwest school records for passing yards in a game (473 vs. Central Missouri) and total offense in a game (475 vs. Central Missouri). McMenamin passed for 6,225 yards on 488-of-811 attempts and 48 career touchdown tosses.   McMenamin gained his Bachelor of Science degree in geography from Northwest in 2002. He obtained his master’s degree in urban studies form the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2008.   He and his wife, Andrea, have two children, Jackson and Jessa.   Head Coach Record Wayne State - 2021 7-4 Northwest Missouri State - 2025 9-3 (MIAA Champions)  

Zach Brisnehan will serve as a graduate assistant coach for the Bearcat football team. He will work with the defensive line under the leadership of Roberto Davis.

Collin Prosser joined the Bearcat football coaching staff in December 2024. He serves as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.  The Bearcat offense had 10 players capture all-MIAA honors in 2025. A pair of offensive linemen in Kaleb McCullough and Wes Merriman tallied first-team all-MIAA status. The Bearcat offensive line unit allowed the fewest sacks (15) in the MIAA in 2025. The Bearcats led the MIAA in total touchdowns scored (53), rushing touchdowns (32) and rushing offense (243.1 yards/game). Northwest ranked No. 11 in the nation in rushing offense. The Bearcats ranked No. 17 in the country in total offense (445.2 yards/game). "Coach Prosser is a masterful technician who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to developing student-athletes,” Bearcat head coach John McMenamin said. “His extensive experience in leading some of the nation’s top offenses will be an invaluable asset to the Bearcats." Prosser joins the Bearcats after serving three seasons as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach on the Wayne State College. The Wildcat went 7-4 in 2024, including a 6-4 mark in NSIC play. Wayne State ranked third in the NSIC averaging 29.3 points per game in 2024. Wayne State finished the 2023 season with records of 8-3 overall and 7-3 in the NSIC. Prosser coached a Wildcat offensive line that allowed an NSIC-low six sacks while helping a WSC offense average 376.4 yards per game. In his first season at WSC, Prosser coached a Wildcat offense that ranked fourth in the NSIC overall (389.6) and third in the league in rushing as the 'Cats finished 9-3 overall while winning its first-ever Northern Sun Conference overall championship while advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs for the second time in school history.  Prosser's offense gained over 500 yards in four games while the 2,241 rushing yards by WSC were the fourth-most in school history, earning him NSIC Assistant Coach of the Year honors in his first season on the Wildcat sidelines. Prosser also worked five seasons at Minnesota State where he served as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for two seasons and offensive line coach for three years. He helped the Mavericks reach the NCAA Division II playoffs three of his seasons with a national runner-up finish in 2019 along with back-to-back NCAA semi-final playoff appearances in 2017 and 2018. Prosser spent two seasons at the University of South Dakota where he coached special teams, offensive line and defensive line. Prosser coached four seasons at Morningside College after he obtained his master's degree at the University of South Dakota. In the 2013 and 2014 seasons at Morningside, he was co-offensive coordinator, offensive line and tight ends coach. The 2014 season saw the Mustangs average 662 yards per game and Prosser was twice named finalist for the Football Scoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year award. In his first two seasons at Morningside, Prosser served as the head coach of the JV team and worked with running backs. Prosser’s coaching career began at South Dakota where he was a graduate assistant coach with the Coyotes working with tight ends and serving as the team’s video coordinator while obtaining his master’s degree. Prosser played at Wayne State from 2005-08 and helped the Wildcats to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2008 along with a Mineral Water Bowl berth in the 2007 season. He served as a captain for the Wildcat team in his 2008 senior season and was a tight end, fullback and offensive lineman during his time at Wayne State. Collin and his wife Heather have three sons – Colton, Camden and Brevin.  

•  Serves defensive coordinator and linebackers coach •  Joined coaching staff in 2011 •  Was an All-MIAA linebacker at Northwest from 2001-04 •  Brother of Scott Bostwick, Northwest's 18th head football coach •  Native of Omaha, Neb. Bostwick is in his 16th season as a Bearcat assistant coach having joined the program in 2011. Bostwick has been a part of eight league titles and three national championships since joining the coaching staff. He was an all-MIAA linebacker at Northwest when he played from 2001 to 2004. Bostwick was retained by head coach John McMenamin and will serve as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Bearcats. "Coach Bostwick exemplifies what it means to be a Bearcat,” McMenamin said. “His passion for the game and profound understanding of building and elevating an elite defense are unparalleled. With experience coaching and winning multiple national championships, he knows exactly what it takes to shape a championship-caliber defense. He leads with the same unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence that defined his playing career here." Bostwick has coached 13 first-team all-MIAA linebackers in Carter Edwards (2024, 2025), Jackson Barnes (2021), Ben Althoff (2017), Jacob Vollstedt (2015, 2016), Brock Sherman (2015), D.J. Gnader (2013, 2014), Eric Reimer (2013, 2014), Collin DeBuysere (2012) and Chad Kilgore (2011). All three starting linebackers gained all-MIAA selections in 2025. Carter Edwards was a unanimous first-team choice. Ben Einess notched second-team honors, while Parker Bowen captured third-team status. The Bearcat defensive unit led the MIAA in scoring defense (18.0 ppg), total defense (283.9 yards/game), passing defense (159.3 yards/game), defensive passing efficiency (102.6), fewest first downs allowed (188 - 15.7/game) and third-down conversions (29.6%). In 2024, linebacker Carter Edwards posted first-team all-MIAA status. In 2023, linebacker Isaac Vollstedt gained second-team all-MIAA honors. Linebackers Andrew Dumas and Bryce Krone nabbed honorable mention all-MIAA status as all three starting linebackers tallied conference accolades. In 2022, starting linebackers Sam Phillips and Isaac Vollstedt captured second-team all-MIAA status. Vollstedt led the team team with 82 total tackles and was credited with five sacks. Phillips racked up 13 tackles-for-loss and two sacks. All three starting linebackers earned all-MIAA status in 2021. Jackson Barnes notched a first-team pick. Sam Phillips secured his second straight third-team honor, while Brody Buck garnered honorable mention status. In 2019, Northwest led the MIAA in team defense, turnover margin, turnovers gained, team tackles-for-loss, team sacks, team passing efficiency defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, passes intercepted, fumbles recovered, defensive touchdowns and fourth down conversion percentage defense. Linebackers Jackson Barnes (second team), Sam Phillips (third team) and Andy Hessler (honorable mention) earned all-MIAA accolades. Linebacker Nick Hess earned second-team all-MIAA honors in 2018. The Bearcat defense ranked No. 6 in the nation in scoring (14.6 ppg). Northwest ranked No. 7 in the nation in rushing defense (89.1 yards/game). The Northwest defense continued to be dominating in 2017. The Bearcats ranked first in the nation in scoring defense (9.3 ppg), total defense (212.8 yards/game), blocked punts (7) and third down conversion defense (19.9 percent). Northwest limited the opposition to 62.0 yards per game on the ground. The Bearcat defense did not allow a rushing touchdown in 2017. In fact, Northwest was the only NCAA school to not allow a rushing touchdown all of 2017 - including FBS, FCS, Division II and Division III. Linebacker Ben Althoff earned first-team All-MIAA honors in 2017. Jacob Vollstedt headlined a group of talented linebackers for the Bearcats in 2016. He was a first team All-MIAA performer and earned multiple All-America accolades, including being named the Don Hansen Gazette Defensive Player of the Year. Northwest boasted the nation's top-ranked run defense (67.7), scoring defense (12.0) and total defense (240.9). The 2015 Northwest defensive unit led the nation in six categories and finished atop the MIAA in 15 categories. Brock Sherman and Vollstedt each earned first-team All-MIAA honors. Vollstedt finished the year with 122 tackles and 13.0 sacks, which would have set a Northwest single season record but was eclipsed by teammate Collin Bevin's 15.5. In the past seven seasons, Bearcat linebackers have collected nine first team All-MIAA honors under Bostwick. Vollstedt, D.J. Gnader and Eric Reimer all earned first team honors in back-to-back seasons. Reimer was twice named an Academic All-America honoree. In 2011, Bostwick coached Chad Kilgore, one of the most prolific linebackers in Northwest history. Kilgore, who was signed by the Oakland Raiders following his senior season, earned All-America accolades by every publication that covers Division II football. Bostwick served as the linebackers and special teams coach at the University of Central Missouri during the spring of 2011. Prior to his time at UCM, he spent four seasons as the offensive line coach at Colorado School of Mines. Bostwick is the brother of Scott Bostwick, who was named Northwest’s 18th head football coach in December and died June 5, 2011, of a heart attack. A native of Omaha, Neb., Bostwick earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwest in 2005 and received his master’s in 2006. Bostwick resides in Maryville with his wife, Kelli, who is also a Northwest alum. The couple has two daughters, Geordynn and Ryleigh, and a son, Breck.

Jake Willrich serve as the Special Teams Coordinator, Defensive Backs Coach and Recruiting Co-Coordinator. He joined the Northwest Missouri State University football coaching staff in December 2024.  "Coach Willrich brings extensive experience coaching special teams and the secondary in the MIAA, consistently producing some of the nation’s top-performing units,” McMenamin said. “With 18 years of experience coaching defensive backs, his ability to connect with student-athletes sets him apart as one of the best in the field." In his first season at Northwest, Willrich had all four starting defensive backs capture all-MIAA status as Northwest led the MIAA and ranked No. 8 in the country in pass efficiency defense (102.58). Shane Fredrickson notched first-team honors, while Michael Harrison and Antwon Jenkins Jr. captured third-team status and Holden Zigmant was an honorable mention selection. Dominic Myers gained first-team all-MIAA status as a kick/punt returner. Punter Tommy Warner captured honorable mention all-MIAA honors. Northwest ranked No. 15 in the nation and No. 3 in the MIAA in net punting (38.85). Willrich served as an assistant coach at Wayne State College in 2024. The Wildcats ranked No. 3 in the country in net punting (41.94 yards/punt) and No. 6 in the nation in kick return coverage (14.53 yards/kick return). Willrich spent his fall 2023 season helping at Kearney High School in Kearney, Neb. He was a member of the University of Nebraska-Kearney football coaching staff from 2014 to 2022. He began his coaching tenure at UNK as the linebackers coach and special teams coordinator. Under head coach Josh Lynn, Willrich moved to defensive secondary while still working with the special teams. In 2022, the Lopers led the nation in net punting and passing efficiency.  Willrich spent five seasons at Austin College (NCAA Div. III) as defensive coordinator, secondary coach and strength & conditioning coach. At Austin, Willrich's defense was among the best in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC). Over five years, his defense forced 95 turnovers with 32 players being named all-conference. In 2011, Austin was among the league leaders in red zone defense and interceptions while ranking first in rush defense and third down percentage defense in 2012. A year later, the 'Roos were second in the conference in scoring defense (23.7). He also gained coaching experience at Hastings College where he was a part of a turnaround of a program that culminated with a berth into the 2009 NAIA playoffs. Willrich was a two-year graduate assistant at Northwest Missouri State for head coach Mel Tjeerdsma. At Northwest, Willrich worked with the defensive backs during the 2003 and 2004 seasons. He was a part of a 2004 squad that went 11-2 and reached the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs while the 2003 team won the MIAA title. Willrich, a native of Grimes, Iowa, played college football at Truman State University. He was a three-time All-MIAA linebacker for the  Bulldogs. Finishing in the top five in school history in career tackles, Willrich was a second-team all-league pick his senior season. Holding an undergraduate degree from Truman State and a master's from Northwest, Willrich and his wife, Erin, have three sons, Payton, Hudson and Creighton.  

Roberto Davis serves as the defensive line coach and the co-recruiting coordinator for the Bearcat football team. Davis moved to defensive line coach in 2025 after serving as the running backs coach at Northwest since 2021.  "Coach Davis is a true Bearcat at heart,” head coach John McMenamin said. “From his journey as one of the best defensive linemen in Bearcat history to now coaching the same position, he is poised to elevate this unit to new heights. His unwavering commitment to building strong relationships matches his passion for success, making him an invaluable asset to our program." Davis oversaw the play of MIAA Defensive Lineman of the Year Clayton Power and had four players gain all-conference. honors in 2025. Power was chosen as a first-team all-MIAA performer. He ranked second in the MIAA in quarterback sacks (7.5). Power tied for No. 7 in the MIAA in tackles-for-loss (10.0). Power started all 12 games and registered 40 total tackles. He tied for the team lead in interceptions (2). Nile Schuett secured second-team all-MIAA status, Jordan Pigram captured third-team all-MIAA honors and Zylen Saddler-Robinson was an honorable mention all-MIAA pick. Davis coached running back Jay Harris to first-team all-MIAA status in 2023. Harris was the only NCAA performer to reach 100 or more rushing yards in every game in 2023. Harris rushed for 1,433 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns in 2023. Harris gained first-team Associated Press All-America honors before transferring to the University of Oregon in the offseason. Tank Young also earned honorable mention all-MIAA status in the Bearcat backfield in 2023. In 2022, Davis saw running back Jamar Moya tally first-team all-MIAA honors as he led the Bearcats in rushing yards (630) and pass receptions (57). Moya ranked second on the squad in all-purpose yards with 1,089. Davis also coached freshman running back Jay Harris, who accumulated a team-best nine rushing touchdowns in the eight games he saw action. Davis handled the Bearcat running backs in 2021 as Al McKeller finished third in the Harlon Hill balloting. McKeller was the NCAA Division II active career leader in all-purpose yards with 5,574. He ranked first among active career leaders in rushing yards (5,159). McKeller rushed for 61 career touchdowns. In 2021, McKeller rushed the ball 284 times for 1,601 yards, including 19 rushing touchdowns and one receiving score in earning first-team all-MIAA honors. McKeller has produced eight 100-yard rushing performances this season and has tallied 24 100-yard rushing games in his collegiate career. McKeller was a tough customer for defenders to track down behind the line of scrimmage. McKeller lost only 20 yards rushing this season despite carrying it 284 times, which ranked No. 4 in the nation and No. 1 in the MIAA. He ranked tied for No. 4 in the nation in total rushing yards and No. 8 in the country in rushing yards per game (123.2). McKeller notched his initial D2CCA First-Team All-America honor as a collegian. McKeller became the third Bearcat to finish in the top-three of the final voting for the Division II player of the year award.   Davis spent the 2020 season on the staff at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska, working on John McMenamin’s Wildcat coaching crew. Davis was a graduate assistant coach (defensive line) at Northwest in 2019 as the Bearcat squad reached the NCAA Division II quarterfinals and captured the program’s 30th MIAA regular season title. Davis played two seasons at Northwest in 2009 and 2010 as the Bearcats, where he helped capture the 2009 national championship. He is a native of Copperas Cove, Texas and began his collegiate playing career at New Mexico State (2005-06) and Reedley Junior College (2008). He earned his bachelor’s degree in parks, recreation, leisure and fitness studies at Northwest. He and his wife, Tiffany, reside in Maryville with their son, Ace.  

Bryan Boesen serves as the quarterbacks coach for the Northwest Missouri State University football team.  In his first season at Northwest, Boesen oversaw the dual-quarterbacking efforts of Chris Ruhnke and Zechariah Owens. Ruhnke gained honorable mention all-MIAA honors, while Owens was named the Co-Freshman of the Year in the league. Boesen served the previous two years on the University of Sioux Falls football program as recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach.  In the 2024 season USF went 8-3 and tied for second in the NSIC standings. The Cougars had 13 student-athletes named to the NSIC All-Conference teams, 15 athletes awarded All-Academic team and 20 athletes awarded All-Academic team of Excellence. Boesen spent two seasons with Minnesota State where he served as the running backs coach for the Mavericks where he helped lead the Mavs to a second-place ranking in the NSIC in rushing yards per game. While at Minnesota State, Boesen coached an All-NSIC second-team honoree in 2021 and 2022. Prior to MSU, Boesen served as a graduate assistant at Hastings College where he coached the defensive backs in 2018. He coached the Broncos's first defensive All-American in 23 seasons and assisted with special teams. In 2019, he was promoted to special team's coordinator and quarterbacks coach while also coordinating the passing game before being named the Broncos Interim offensive coordinator. Boesen spent one season at Simpson College prior to Hastings where he served as a defensive backs coach. He also spent one season with Colby College as a defensive assistant while also working with defensive backs. Boesen, originally from Boone, Iowa, was a two-year letter winner at quarterback at Simpson College. He graduated from Simpson with a bachelor's degree in physical education. Bryan and his wife, Laura, reside in Maryville.  

JMychal Grau serves as the Interior Defensive Line Coach and Equipment Manager for the Bearcat football program. "J'Mychal Gray has excelled in coaching the tight ends at Northwest, bringing a tireless work ethic and a relentless drive for improvement,” head coach John McMenamin said. “In addition to his coaching success, he has elevated our operations to new heights, solidifying our status as one of Adidas's flagship programs for equipment and apparel." Grau was a graduate assistant coach for Northwest in 2022 and 2023. He worked primarily with the tight ends and offensive line. He also was in charge of the defensive scout team during team periods. He utilized Hudl video to make scouting reports and breakdowns for offensive staff and players. Prior to Northwest, Grau worked at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, as a Offensive Quality Control assistant coach for the UNI Panther football team. He gained experience in planning and executing all aspects of being a position coach at the FCS level including spring practices, managing summer camps, transitioning into fall camp along with the weekly process of preparing and executing a game plan. Grau earned his bachelor's of science degree in movement and exercise science at UNI in Dec. 2018. He earned his master's degree from Northwest in applied health and sport science in April 2024.

Mark Wright serves as the wide receivers coach on the Bearcat football staff. Wright joined the staff in 2025 and he helped wide receiver Luke Mathews capture second-team all-MIAA honors. Mathews led the team with 39 catches for 465 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025. A native of New Orleans, La., Wright was a collegiate quarterback at Langston University in Langston, Okla. "This will be the third time I have the privilege of working alongside Coach Wright on a coaching staff," McMenamin said. "His ability to connect with our players and positively impact their lives, both on and off the field, is what sets him apart as one of the top coaches in the game. With his relentless work ethic and tireless recruiting efforts, Coach Wright is sure to make a significant impact on the Bearcat football program. I couldn't be more excited to welcome him as our new running backs coach." Wright previously coached at Tulane University and Wayne State College with current Bearcat head coach John McMenamin. At Tulane, Wright coached a pair of NFL players in Duece Watts and Jaquan Jackson. Wright also served as an assistant coach at Wayne State College and MidAmerica Nazarene.