VERMILLION, S.D. — Head football coach Travis Johansen on Tuesday afternoon announced Will Finley as the next linebackers coach at the University of South Dakota. Finley comes to Vermillion after a two-year stint as the linebackers coach at Lindenwood University (Mo.).

"Will is a seasoned coach with experience as a position coach, coordinator, and head coach. He's been successful at nearly all levels of college football and will certainly improve what has been a successful linebacker room for many years," commented Johansen. "We are incredibly excited to welcome Will, Kallie, and their boys Barrett, Lincoln, and Turner to the Coyote family."

During his two seasons at Lindenwood, Finley and the defensive staff improved all defensive statistics from the previous two seasons and led the program to their first-ever FCS top-10 win in 2024 with a victory over then No. 6-ranked Southeast Missouri State. The 2024 season also saw Finley coach a First Team Big South/Ohio Valley All-Conference performer in Vincent King.

"I am extremely excited and grateful to join the Coyote family. I would like to thank Coach Johansen and Coach Kirch for giving me the opportunity to lead the linebackers," commented Finley. "I believe in the vision Coach Johansen has set and look forward to build upon that. Go Yotes!"

Prior to his jump to Lindenwood, Finley was the head football coach at Waldorf University (Iowa) in the NAIA, where he also oversaw the defense and worked with the Warrior linebackers. He compiled a 20-10 record in his three seasons leading the program (2020-22) and led the Warriors to their highest-ever NAIA ranking at No. 22 in 2022.

He started his coaching career at his alma mater, Benedictine College (Kan.) from 2011-18. He worked his way up to Defensive Coordinator for his final season in Atchison, helping lead the Ravens to a 13-2 record, an appearance in the NAIA National Championship game, and the Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division title.

He started as a graduate assistant with the Ravens (2011-13) before being retained as a full-time assistant at Benedictine from 2013-18 where he worked with the linebackers and was the kickoff coach, and in that span the Ravens compiled a 40-17 overall record and was ranked inside the NAIA top-25 each season.
Finley played his college ball in the JuCo and NAIA ranks. He finished his career at Benedictine (Kan.) where he played from 2007-10, playing linebacker for the Ravens.

He earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from Benedictine in 2010 and earned his master's degree in business administration, also from Benedictine, in 2013.

Finley and his wife, Kallie, have three boys: Barrett, Lincoln, and Turner.