Lance Taylor, a 1988 graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Platteville, has been named the defensive coordinator for the Gustavus Adolphus College football program. Taylor comes to Gustavus from Appleton, Wisconsin where he has served as the Athletic Director and Dean of Students for the Little Chute Area Schools for the past four years. Taylor replaces Jud Keim, who accepted a coaching position at Pacific Lutheran University.
A native of Platteville, Wisconsin, Taylor previously served as the defensive coordinator at Gustavus for the 1997 and 1998 seasons. In 1998, Taylor’s defensive unit ranked second in the MIAC allowing only 288.80 yards per game and the Gusties finished second in the MIAC with a record of 7-2-0. Commenting on his return to Gustavus, Taylor said, “I am very excited to be back in college football and particularly at Gustavus. I realized that I really missed football and the people at Gustavus and I am pleased to have the opportunity to come back.”
Prior to coaching at Gustavus, Taylor was the defensive coordinator for the football team and head baseball coach at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville for seven years. While at Platteville, Taylor developed a defensive unit that led the league in tackles for loss with 114 in 1995 and had ten linebackers and 12 linemen earn all-conference honors.
In his playing days at UW-Platteville, Taylor was a starting safety on the football team and an all-conference and all-region honoree on the baseball team. After graduating with a degree in history, he started his coaching career at the high school level where he served as the head baseball coach at Belmont (Wisc.) High School and then became the assistant football coach at Platteville High School. In 1989, he served as the assistant defensive back coach at Cal State Fullerton before returning to his alma mater in 1990.
Gustavus head coach Jay Schoenebeck is excited to have Taylor back on the staff. He stated, “I really enjoyed coaching with Lance when he was with us previously and I am thrilled to have him back.” Schoenebeck added, “The players and staff had tremendous respect for Lance before and we expect the same this time. It should be an easy transition since he is so familiar with our program.”
In addition to his coaching duties, Taylor will also teach in the health and exercise science department at Gustavus. Lance, his wife Theresa, and their children Laini, Allison, and Ryan will live in St. Peter.