Southwestern College

Ryan Nelson joined Southwestern as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback's coach in 2022. Entering his fifth season under Brad Griffin, Nelson has produced some of the best offenses in the KCAC since his arrival. 

Nelson immediately jumped into the coaching ranks after college, getting his foot in the door at NCAA DII Lindenwood University where he was an Offensive Assistant and the Director of Football Operations. He remained at Lindenwood from 2014-16, before heading to the JUCO level to be the Wide Reciever's Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Santa Barbara City College from 2016-19. The last stop on his list, prior to him taking the OC job at Southwestern, was the Offensive Coordinator position at Tabor College. He served in that capacity for the last three seasons, coaching the QB's and tight ends in that stead. 

Prior to Nelson coaching days, he was a decorated collegiate quarterback who began his journey at another Southwestern College, a junior college in southern California. Following a strong two year run from 2007-08, he transferred to Northern Arizona University where he competed with the Lumberjacks from 2009-11. Following his time at NAU, he came to a more familiar place for us Kansans, as he finished his playing career as the team captain and QB at Tabor College, where he earned his Bachelor's in 2014.

In 2025, Ryan Nelson directed a potent Southwestern offense that averaged 51.9 points and 542.7 yards per game. The Moundbuilders amassed 5,970 yards of total offense and scored 82 offensive touchdowns, averaging 8.3 yards per play. Southwestern showcased a balanced attack with 3,603 passing yards and 44 touchdowns through the air while adding 2,367 rushing yards and 33 scores on the ground.