Jay Sawvel

Jay Sawvel
Current position
TitleHead coach
TeamWyoming
ConferenceMW
Record2–7
Biographical details
Born (1971-03-14) March 14, 1971 (age 53)
Barnesville, Ohio, U.S.
Playing career
1989–1993Mount Union
Position(s)Linebacker
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1994–1995Eastern Kentucky (GA)
1996–1998Notre Dame (GA)
1999–2000Ferris State (DB/ST)
2001–2007Southern Illinois (DB/ST)
2008–2010Northern Illinois (DB/ST)
2011–2015Minnesota (DB/ST)
2016Minnesota (DC/DB)
2017–2018Wake Forest (DC/CB)
2020–2023Wyoming (DC/S)
2024–presentWyoming
Head coaching record
Overall2–7

Jay Sawvel (born March 14, 1971) is an American college football coach. He is the head football coach for the University of Wyoming, a position he has held since 2024.[1][2] He previously served as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at the University of Wyoming from 2020 to 2023.

Sawvel played college football at University of Mount Union from 1989 to 1993. Prior to his tenure at the University of Wyoming, Sawvel previously served as an assistant coach at Wake Forest University, University of Minnesota, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Ferris State University, University of Notre Dame and Eastern Kentucky University.

Early years

Born in Barnesville, Ohio, Sawvel played as a linebacker at the University of Mount Union from 1989 to 1993. He earned a bachelor's degree in sports management with minors in business administration, information systems and physical education at the University of Mount Union in 1993.

Coaching career

Early career

In 1994, Sawvel began his coaching career at Eastern Kentucky University as a graduate assistant. From 1996 to 1998, Sawvel served as a graduate assistant at the University of Notre Dame before serving as a defensive backs and special teams coach at Ferris State University from 1999 to 2000.

Southern Illinois

In 2001, Sawvel was hired as the defensive backs and special teams coach at Southern Illinois University Carbondale under head coach Jerry Kill.

Northern Illinois

In 2008, Sawvel was hired by Northern Illinois University as their defensive backs and special teams coach, following head coach Jerry Kill.

Minnesota

In 2011, Sawvel was hired as the defensive backs and special teams coach at the University of Minnesota under head coach Jerry Kill.

In 2016, Sawvel was promoted to defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach under head coach Tracy Claeys.

Wake Forest

In 2017, Sawvel was hired by Wake Forest University as their defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach under head coach Dave Clawson.

On September 23, 2018, Sawvel was fired as Wake Forest's defensive coordinator.[3]

Wyoming

In 2020, Sawvel was named the defensive coordinator and safeties coach at the University of Wyoming under head coach Craig Bohl.

On December 6, 2023, Sawvel was named the 33rd head coach at Wyoming, replacing Bohl following his retirement.[4]

Personal life

Sawvel has two children. He has earned two master degrees from Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Notre Dame in administration.[5]

Head coaching record

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs
Wyoming Cowboys (Mountain West Conference) (2024–present)
2024 Wyoming 2–7 2–3
Wyoming: 2–7 2–3
Total: 2–7

References

  1. ^ "Cowboys Bohl announces retirement, Jay Sawvel named new head coach". Wyo4NEWS. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  2. ^ Taylor, Alex. "Jay Sawvel named head coach for UW football". Wyoming Tribune Eagle. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  3. ^ Johns, Les (September 23, 2018). "Wake coach Clawson relieves DC Jay Sawvel of his duties". Demon Deacon Digest. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  4. ^ "Jay Sawvel Named Head Coach of Cowboy Football". Wyoming Cowboys. December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  5. ^ "Jay Sawvel – Wyoming profile". Wyoming Cowboys. Retrieved December 7, 2023.