Trevor Strong named Benedictine Football Defensive Coordinator

Benedictine Football head coach Joel Osborn has announced the addition of Trevor Strong as the Ravens new Defensive Coordinator.

Coach Strong comes to Benedictine from fellow NAIA member Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., where he has served in the same capacity since March 2019.

"We are excited to have Coach Strong join our coaching staff," Coach Osborn said. "He comes highly recommended, and his track record speaks for itself. He is a leader of men and builds great relationships with his players while getting them to perform at a high level. Coach Strong is a family man as well. We would like to welcome his wife, Rachel, and their children, Nolan and Rylee, to Atchison as well."

This past season, Coach Strong's Moundbuilder defense ranked No. 3 in the NAIA in scoring defense, holding opponents to 15.1 points while allowing just 249 yards per game. His defense also ranked No. 1 in the NAIA in interceptions with 25.

"I am excited to join such a great program and college," Coach Strong said. "I was very impressed with Benedictine on my visit and hope to add value to what is already a great place. Coach Osborn and his staff have been extremely welcoming and helpful in this transition. I Look forward to meeting the players soon and starting to build those relationships. My family is excited for our new chapter in Atchison."

While at Southwestern, Coach Strong mentored 3 AFCA All-American selections and a total of 57 All-Conference selections in the KCAC. He served as an assistant coach at fellow Heart program William Penn University from 2014-2019 where he served as the Special Teams Coordinator and defensive backs coach. He was a part of the coaching staff that led the Statesmen to the 2016 Heart North Championship.

Coach Strong graduated from NAIA power Morningside University in 2014 with a bachelor's in Business Administration. As a student-athlete, he was a two-time All-GPAC selection at safety and was part of three GPAC Championships while also serving as a team captain. 

With the addition of Coach Strong to the staff, Coach Osborn has also announced some additional changes to the defensive coaching staff. Coach Strong will also coach the safeties. Andy Merfeld remains the Special Teams Coordinator and moves back to coaching the corners. Brad Hines remains the defensive line coach, Isaac Bower moves to linebackers coach while also working with the specialists, and Carson Anderson moves to the role of assistant linebackers coach.

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