BEAUMONT, Texas — Will Fleming has been named offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach announced Lamar University head coach Pete Rossomando Wednesday afternoon. Fleming joins the Cardinals’ staff from Valparaiso where he served in a similar role.
“I’ve known Will for a long time,” said Rossomando. “I’m long-time friends with his dad. Will comes from a football family, and he knows a lot of guys on our staff. They think the world of him. After spending more time with him, he lives up to everything that people say about him. He brings a lot of great ideas with him to our program, and he is going to be a great fit for the quarterbacks and the offense.”
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 all season. 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 first season.
Under his tutelage, Aaron Dawson (running back) and Aaron Byrd (offensive lineman) 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 offensive 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 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 National Football League – 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.
