Will Fleming was hired as the Cardinals offensive coordinator in March 2023 and also worked directly with the Cardinal quarterbacks.
Despite taking over an offense that battled through an offensive line that faced numerous injuries in the first half of the season, and a daunting schedule that included two of the eventual top four seeds in the NCAA FCS playoffs and an FBS opponent, Big Red’s offense fought through all of that to improve each week.
The Cardinals turned the controls over to junior college transfer Robert Coleman who went on to become one of the Southland’s top newcomers. The California native completed nearly 62 percent of his passes for 1,956 yards and 16 touchdowns and also rushed for nearly 200 yards. Coleman ranked second in the Southland in completion percentage (156-of-255) and had the fewest interceptions of all SLC starting quarterbacks (who didn’t rotate snaps with a teammate).
In addition to Coleman’s accomplishments behind center, Fleming’s offense produced the league’s second-leading rusher – Khalan Griffin – and had three all-conference selections.
Fleming makes his way to the Golden Triangle from Valparaiso where he served in a similar position. During his lone season with Valpo, Fleming led a resurgence of the Crusaders' program. The 2022 season saw Valparaiso post three road wins in league play for the first time since 1962. Valpo dropped only one conference road game that entire year. The Crusaders set records for total offense for their current head coach and Fleming's offense was the driving force behind Valpo's first win at Marist in school history and first victory over Morehead State in nearly two decades.
Fleming's offense ranked among the league's top five in total offense, turnovers lost, passing efficiency, rushing offense, passing offense and fewest passes intercepted during his lone season.
Under his tutelage, Aaron Dawson (running back) and Aaron Byrd (offensive line) were selected to play in the 2022 FCS National Bowl, and three players garnered first-team all-conference honors. A total of five Crusaders on the offensive side received all-conference recognition in 2022.
Before arriving at Valpo, Fleming served on the Boston College staff for two seasons, most recently serving as an assistant quarterback's coach. Prior to joining the BC staff, Fleming was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Rhode Island (2014-19).
During his final season with the Rams, Fleming orchestrated one of the top offenses in the nation. The Rams ranked 13th nationally in passing (3,555) and was one of the just two FCS programs to produce two players with more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season. The 2019 campaign came on the heels of a 2018 season that saw URI rank 13th nationally in pass efficiency.
In addition to the aforementioned team successes, Fleming has a track record of aiding players in their football development. Under his watch at URI, the Rams produced a trio of student-athletes who went on to compete in the NFL - Aaron Parker (Carolina Panthers), Isaiah Coulter (Chicago Bears) and Kyle Murphy (New York Giants).
Fleming’s offense proved formidable even against FBS level schools. Against Virginia Tech, UConn, Ohio and Central Michigan, the Rams averaged 28.2 points per game, more than 406 yards of offense and 303 passing yards per game.
Prior to his coaching days, Fleming was a three-year letterwinner at Akron (2008-12). He earned his bachelors' in sport management in 2013 after playing linebacker, tight end and fullback for the Zips. Following his time in Akron, Fleming spent one season at Towson where he was a graduate transfer in 2013 and following an injury transitioned to a graduate assistant coach. During that season, Towson advanced to the NCAA FCS National Championship game.Â
