A former Southern Conference Coach of the Year selection, Bill Bleil was hired in February 2018 to work with the Cardinals’ offensive linemen. He will continue working with the LU offensive linemen in 2019, in addition to taking on the role of co-offensive coordinator.
Bleil brings 27 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience, including five as a head coach at the FCS level, with him to the Golden Triangle. Among his 26 years of experience, 16 have been spent as either head coach, offense or defensive coordinator.
During his first season with the Cards’ offensive front, he took a squad that consisted of seven newcomers and eight underclassmen and turned them into a cohesive unit. The Cardinals ranked 13 nationally in rushing offense, while improving their pass protection from the previous season.
Bleil also produced the Cardinals first Southland Conference Offensive Linemen of the Year – Garrett Bowery – in 2019. Bowery went on to be a consensus All-America selection by season’s end.Â
Bleil makes his way to Beaumont after spending the 2017 season at Missouri Southern where he served as assistant head coach working with the offensive line. During his one season with the Lions, Bleil produced one of the nation’s top offensive fronts. The Lions ranked among the nation’s top 30 in pass protection.Â
Bleil spent two seasons as the offensive coordinator at Rhode Island before leaving for Missouri Southern. Prior to his time in Kingston, R.I., Bleil spent five seasons at Iowa State. During his time with the Cyclones, Bleil helped produce one of the most successful runs in program history. Iowa State recorded its most wins during a four-year stretch, since 1906, reaching three bowl games – a first in program history.
Prior to his time in Ames, Bleil spent five seasons in Akron, Ohio serving as the assistant head coach for the Zips. During his time with Akron, Bleil worked with tackles and tight ends, and contributed to Akron’s first MAC Championship and a trip to the Motor City Bowl.
Bleil spent the 2004 season at Pittsburgh holding a similar position. During his lone year with the Panthers, Bleil helped coach Pittsburgh to a Big East Championship and berth in the Fiesta Bowl.
Bleil was named offensive coordinator at Western Carolina in February 1996 and was promoted to head coach the following year. Bleil served as the WCU head coach for the next five seasons being named conference coach of the year in 2000. Bleil’s career has also made stops at South Dakota, the University of the Pacific and Northwestern.
Bleil received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College in 1981. He graduated from New Mexico Highlands University with a master’s degree the following year. He, and his wife of 33 years, Laurel, have two sons - Kevin and Tim.
