Dave Brown Named the Next Head Football Coach of Central Methodist University

BY RACHEL MOORE

Central Methodist Director of Athletics, Jeff Sherman, ’83, announced the hiring of Dave Brown as head coach of the Central Methodist football program in February.

Coach Brown most recently served five years as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for NCAA Division II Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo.

“Coach Dave Brown was identified early on as person who could lead our program,” said Sherman.

“His success and experiences at numerous institutions are impressive. He possesses a strategic mind, coupled with leadership attributes and the ability to build relationships and recruit. In addition, he has attracted an impressive coaching staff to help elevate our program and create a culture of success both on the field and off.”

“It’s an honor to be entrusted with the Eagle football program,” said Brown. “I’m looking forward to building a program with people of high character who are relentless competitors, and who are excited to come to work every day. People you can be proud to have represent Central Methodist University.”

In 2019, Missouri Western’s offense averaged 41.5 points and 446 yards per game. In that same season, the Griffins made their second consecutive appearance in the Live United Bowl, where they defeated Henderson State University, 35-15. Missouri Western would finish the year with a 9-3 overall record.

Brown came to MWSU after two seasons as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Colorado State-Pueblo. In two seasons with the ThunderWolves, Brown was part of two RMAC CoChampionships along with seeing the offense head towards the top of the conference. His quarterbacks completed better than 59 percent of their passes and threw for nearly 4,500 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Prior to his two years at CSU-Pueblo, Brown was hand-picked by John L. Smith to be the offensive coordinator at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. At Fort Lewis, Brown helped the team to its best season in eight years with an offense that ranked second in the RMAC.

He came to Fort Lewis after six years at the University of Nevada under Head Coach Chris Ault. Brown helped Colin Kaepernick become the only player in NCAA history to throw for 10,000 yards and rush for 4,000 in a career. Brown was instrumental in the implementation and development of the pistol offense at Nevada and later installed the same offense at Portland State.

Brown’s coaching career began at his alma mater, Central Missouri under Head Coach Willie Fritz in 2001. During his time in Warrensburg, the Mules posted a 43-13 record, won the MIAA and appeared in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

He also coached one season at Portland State, helping the Vikings lead the Big Sky Conference in rushing and improving their offensive output by more than 95 yards per game.

Brown’s father, Paul, is a longtime high school coach in the Kansas City area with head coaching stints at Turner, Bishop Miege and Basehor-Linwood.

Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education at Central Missouri and master’s degrees from both UCM and Nevada.