Joe Woodley is no stranger to success in the world of football, and his impressive journey has now led him to a new and exciting challenge. A pivotal figure in the rise of Grand View University’s football program, Woodley helped shape the team into one of the most respected programs in the NAIA. His coaching journey, which began alongside his father Mike, took him from an assistant role to the head coach who eventually led Grand View to two national championships.
Now, after years of hard work and remarkable accomplishments, Woodley is shifting gears and stepping into a new role as the head football coach at Drake University. This move comes after his extraordinary tenure at Grand View, where his leadership helped bring the team to the pinnacle of NAIA football, culminating in a perfect 14-0 season and the school’s second national championship.
What’s even more exciting? Woodley’s hiring came just days after guiding Grand View to that national title, securing a fitting end to his time at the university. With a proven track record and an undeniable passion for football, Woodley is ready to take on a new challenge at the FCS level, where the stakes are higher and the competition fiercer.
Woodley’s career is marked by significant milestones and accomplishments. In just six seasons as head coach at Grand View, he compiled an astonishing 72-5 record, an achievement that speaks volumes about his coaching abilities and commitment to excellence. His tenure was also punctuated by an unblemished regular-season record, a feat that few coaches can claim. To top it off, Woodley was named the Heart of America Athletic Conference Coach of the Year an impressive five times, cementing his status as one of the best in the business. His success has garnered him the reputation of a coach who can take a team from strength to strength, always pushing for more.
While his coaching success is well-documented, Woodley’s connection to football began long before he became a coach. Born and raised in Clive, Iowa, he was a standout player during his high school years at West Des Moines Valley. Woodley earned First-Team Elite All-State honors as a linebacker, a recognition that helped set the stage for his future in football. He went on to play at Iowa State University, where he not only made a name for himself but also served as a team captain, leading his squad in three bowl games.
His playing days set the foundation for what would become a distinguished coaching career. Woodley’s coaching journey started in 2006, when he took on roles as a defensive line and linebackers coach at Johnston High School. This was where he first began to make his mark as a coach, working under his brother Brian, the head coach of the Dragons. After that, Woodley spent time coaching defensive backs and linebackers at St. Ambrose University before transitioning to a significant role at Grand View.
At Grand View, Woodley truly found his calling. Working alongside his father, Mike, he helped build the football program from the ground up, starting in 2008 when the school first introduced football. Woodley’s early contributions were essential in laying the groundwork for a program that would soon reach national prominence. Over the years, he took on various coaching roles, including offensive and defensive coordinator, helping guide the Vikings to great success.
In his new role at Drake University, Woodley steps into a program that has seen its own share of success in recent years. The Bulldogs, under the leadership of Todd Stepsis, secured back-to-back regular-season Pioneer Football League championships in 2023 and 2024. Now, Woodley’s task is to continue building on that success, taking the program to even greater heights.
Drake University’s athletic director, Brian Hardin, expressed his excitement about Woodley’s appointment, praising his leadership abilities and championship pedigree. “We are thrilled to add Joe Woodley to our athletics department as the next leader of our football program,” Hardin said in a statement. “Joe is a championship coach who will add to the championship culture that exists within our football team and athletics department.”
Hardin also highlighted Woodley’s ability to develop young men both on and off the field. This aspect of Woodley’s coaching philosophy is something that has made him a respected figure in the football world. His reputation extends beyond just his wins and losses; he’s known for his commitment to molding his players into well-rounded individuals who succeed in life, not just in sports.
Woodley’s decision to take on this new challenge at Drake is a natural progression in his career. While his legacy at Grand View is secure, he is now focused on bringing that same level of success to the Bulldogs. His vision for the program is clear: he wants to build on Drake’s existing success, push the team to new levels, and continue developing young athletes who excel on the field and in life.
“Joe is widely considered a rising star in the coaching profession,” Hardin continued. “He has significant name recognition in our region, and we believe he’s the perfect person to lead our program to the next level. We couldn’t be more excited for Joe, Jen, and their kids to join our Drake Athletics family.”
As Woodley embarks on this new chapter of his career, the excitement surrounding his hire is palpable. His track record of success at Grand View, coupled with his passion for developing young athletes, makes him an ideal fit for Drake University’s football program. His arrival signals a new era of Bulldog football, one that fans and players alike can look forward to with high expectations.
For Woodley, this is more than just a career move; it’s an opportunity to continue building his legacy as one of the most respected coaches in the game. He’s ready to face the challenges that come with coaching at the FCS level, and he’s determined to help lead Drake University to even greater success.
“I'm humbled and honored to be the head football coach at Drake University,” Woodley said in his statement. “I look forward to working at a first-class institution, coaching at the FCS level, and the challenge to help take this program to heights it has never been. Most importantly, I look forward to working with the players to help them reach their potential on and off the field.”
Woodley’s journey, from his playing days to his rise as a championship-winning coach, has been nothing short of inspiring. As he takes on the role of head coach at Drake University, the future of Bulldog football is in capable hands. With his leadership, experience, and dedication to excellence, there’s no telling just how high this program can soar.
Stay tuned—this is just the beginning for Joe Woodley and Drake University football!
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