The Valparaiso University football program and head coach Landon Fox have announced the hiring of Will Fleming as the team’s offensive coordinator.

Fleming comes to Valpo after serving on the Boston College coaching staff for the past two seasons, most recently as an assistant quarterbacks coach. Prior to his stint at BC, Fleming held the positions of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Rhode Island from 2014-2019.

“I’m excited to have Will as part of our program,” Fox said. “When you talk about a successful program, you talk about good people. He’s a good person who is also very smart, and we want smart people in our program. He was very successful leading an offense during his time at Rhode Island and was able to grow and learn for the last few years at Boston College. He understands how to be productive offensively against good teams. We are especially excited about the success he’s had throwing the football and believe he’ll contribute to our efficiency at the quarterback position.”

In 2019, Fleming’s Rhode Island offense ranked 13^th nationally in passing (3,555) and was one of two programs in FCS football to produce two players with over 1,000 receiving yards that season. In 2018, the Rams ranked 13^th nationally in passing efficiency (151.72), 34^th in red zone offense (0.846) and 37^th in scoring offense (30.1 points per game). Under Fleming’s direction, Rhode Island’s quarterback set a program record for single-season completion percentage and earned second team all-conference honors.

“I came to Valpo because I believe in Coach Fox and his vision for this football program,” Fleming said. “He is a leader of men with high character and family values. My philosophy in regard to building an offense aligned with the brand of football Coach Fox wants to play here at Valpo. I am blessed and grateful for this opportunity to fulfill my passion of coaching football and developing young men to reach their full potential. I’m very excited for my family and me to join the Valpo community, and I will give my all to help put a product on the field that this University and community will be proud of.”

In addition to the aforementioned team successes, Fleming has a track record of aiding players in their football development. Under his watch at Rhode Island, 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).

Against FCS competition (Virginia Tech, UConn, Ohio and Central Michigan), Fleming’s Rhode Island offense averaged 28.2 points per game, 406.7 yards per game and 303 passing yards per game.

Prior to his coaching days, Fleming started his collegiate playing career as a three-year letter winner at the University of Akron from 2008-2012. He earned his bachelor’s in sport management in 2013 after playing linebacker, tight end, full back and special teams during his time with the Zips. After Akron, Fleming graduate transferred to Towson for the 2013 season, but was injured during the preseason and transitioned into a graduate assistant coaching role. He was part of a team that made an FCS national championship game appearance.

What They’re Saying About Coach Fleming

Jeff Hafley, Boston College Head Coach: “Will Fleming is a bright young coach with a huge future ahead. He started as part of BC football on the defensive side, then worked his way into the QB room. He builds great relationships with the players and staff and will be an excellent recruiter. I am excited to see him get back in the coordinator role, and I expect great success.”

Frank Cignetti, Pittsburgh Offensive Coordinator: “Will Fleming is a detailed coach. He knows how to prepare his players and teach the fundamentals and schemes to lead them to success.”

Rob Ambrose, Towson Head Coach: “Will is smart and talented with a great football mind. What stands out to me the most is his ability to relate to his players and get the best out of them.”