Recruits: Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Rhode Island
Will Fleming finished his first season as Valpo offensive coordinator in 2022.
In his first season on staff, Fleming helped the team win three league road games in the same year for the first time since 1962. The Beacons went 3-1 in league road contests, the first time Valpo had won three PFL road games in the same season since the league was founded in 1993. Fleming’s offense played a key role in those road victories as its 463 yards of total offense on Oct. 8 at Presbyterian was the program’s highest single-game total of the Landon Fox Era and one of three times that the 2022 squad eclipsed 400 yards of total offense, also including a 45-24 win at Marist. Fleming was part of the program’s first ever win at Marist and first win at Morehead State since 2006.
Aaron Dawson was named a 2022 First Team All-PFL selection after shattering a 73-year-old program record for the longest scoring run from scrimmage (99 yards vs. Butler), threatening the program’s single-game rushing record (241 yards at Morehead State) and finishing second in program history in single-season rushing yards (1,204). Dawson was one of two members of the Valpo offense selected to the 2022 FCS National Bowl, joining offensive lineman Aaron Byrd, who was also a First Team All-PFL choice. Byrd and Dawson were joined by wide receiver Solomon Davis to make it three members of Fleming’s offense on the All-PFL First Team. Two others received All-PFL Honorable Mention, one was named to the Academic All-PFL First Team and two garnered Academic All-PFL Second Team status.
In Fleming’s first season, the team ranked in the top five in the PFL in the following offensive categories – total offense (340.9), turnovers lost (16), passing efficiency (140.4), rushing offense (125.7, fourth), passing offense (215.2), and fewest passes had intercepted (10, fourth). His offense moved the chains for 217 first downs, the program’s most in a single season since 2014. The unit improved from the previous season in the following categories – first downs, interceptions thrown, passing offense, passing yards/completion, passing efficiency, total offense and turnovers lost. The program enjoyed its best season in terms of total offense since 2017 and had the program’s best passing offense since 2018.
Before arriving at Valpo, Fleming served 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.
In 2019, Fleming’s Rhode Island offense ranked 13th 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 13th nationally in passing efficiency (151.72), 34th in red zone offense (0.846) and 37th 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.
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.”
