Drake football coach Joe Woodley to join Rutgers staff, ESPN reports

Drake football coach Joe Woodley has resigned after one season coaching the Bulldogs, the school announced Monday, Feb. 9.

Earlier Monday, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Woodley will join the coaching staff at Rutgers.

Woodley's first and only Bulldogs team finished 8-4 overall. Drake won the Pioneer Football League title with a 7-1 record.

The Bulldogs’ season ended in the first round of the FCS Playoffs with a 38-17 loss at No. 11 South Dakota.

“Our football program, and Drake Athletics as a whole, is thankful to coach Woodley for his contributions as a Bulldog,” Drake athletics director Brian Hardin said in a news release. “Joe used his natural leadership and excellent skills as a football coach to put together another sensational season in Drake Stadium. We wish him continued success on his coaching journey.”

Sources: Rutgers is set to hire Drake head coach Joe Woodley as an assistant coach on the defensive staff. Prior to Drake, Woodley won an NAIA championship at Grand View, where he went 72-5 as head coach and didn’t lose a regular season game. pic.twitter.com/HaMsNK76TT

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 9, 2026

Woodley previously coached at Grand View, where he posted a 72-5 record and led the Vikings to the 2024 NAIA championship.

A West Des Moines Valley alum, Woodley played linebacker at Iowa State and was a team captain for the Cyclones in 2003.

Drake will begin an immediate national search for Woodley's replacement, according to the news release.

This story has been updated with Drake confirming Woodley's resignation.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Drake football coach Joe Woodley to join Rutgers staff | Report