Lindenwood football head coach Jed Stugart announced the addition of three new coaches to the staff for the upcoming season.  Denver Johnson will take over the offensive line duties, Corey Bethany will coach the running backs, and Pat Stewart will coach the linebackers in 2020.  Bryan Baldwin has been promoted to special teams coordinator, while Jarrett Grabbe will serve as the recruiting coordinator.
 
Denver Johnson joins the staff after spending four seasons as the head coach at Missouri Southern State.  Prior to his time with the Lions in Joplin, Mo., Johnson spent four seasons as the assistant head coach at the University of Tulsa.  Prior to taking over offensive coordinator duties in 2014, Johnson was named the 2012 Merv Johnson Integrity in Coaching Award winner.
 
Johnson made a two-year stop in Boulder, Colo. where he served as the offensive line coach for the University of Colorado from 2009-11.  Johnson was the head coach at Illinois State from 200-2009, after serving at Murray State from 1997-2000 as the head coach.  Prior to his time as head coach, Johnson coached the offensive line at the University of Oklahoma, Mississippi State University, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tennessee-Martin.  Johnson is a graduate of the University of Tulsa, as he continued his playing career in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1981-82.
 
"I've enjoyed getting to know coach Johnson through the years," said Stugart.  "His resume and experience speaks for itself, but his heart for coaching young men is paramount.  We couldn't be more excited to bring that type of man and experience to our staff."
 
He has a heart for coaching young men.
 
Corey Bethany will join the Lindenwood staff after spending the previous four season as the head coach at St. Mary's High School in St. Louis, Mo.  Bethany led St. Mary's to a Class Four District Championship in 2019, as he concluded his tenure with a 31-16 record.  Prior to his time at St. Mary's, Bethany was the offensive coordinator at Christian Brothers College in St. Louis, Mo.  The Cadets won the state title in 2014, while placing second in 2015.
 
Bethany has made multiple trips around the Indoor Football League, serving as the offensive coordinator with three different teams.   The St. Louis, Mo. native spent time with the River City Raiders, and the River City Rage in his coaching trail.  Bethany was a member of the football team at William Jewell College, where he majored in accounting.
 
"The more I came to know of coach Bethany, the more I wanted to hire him if the opportunity presented itself," said Stugart.  "He turned a program around with culture and that's the staple of our program.  There is no doubt he will be a perfect fit."
 
Pat Stewart comes to Lindenwood after spending two seasons at Lindenwood-Belleville.  Stewart served as the defensive coordinator, coaching four players who ranked nationally in six different categories.  Steward coached three seasons at Land O'Lakes High School, as the team tallied 44 takeaways in in final two seasons.  Before spending one season at Seton Hill University, Stewart was the head coach at Western Colorado University from 2005-2010.
 
Stewart was the defensive coordinator at Nebraska-Kearney for seven years, helping the Lopers to their first NCAA Division II Playoff appearance along with two RMAC Championships (2002 and 2005).  Steward has had stints with Olivet College, Port Charlotte High School, University of Northern Colorado, and Western Colorado University in his early career.  A graduate of Western Colorado, Stewart was a two-time all-RMAC linebacker.
 
"I've know coach Stewart for a while," said Stugart.  "Another guy that loves culture and is passionate about the game.  A very well-rounded coach that will be a great asset for our defensive staff."
 
Lindenwood captured the 2019 GLVC Championship last season, after going a perfect 7-0 inside conference play.  The Lions were 9-4 last year, and won their first NCAA Division II Playoff game against Ouachita Baptist.  Lindenwood will return GLVC Offensive Player of the Year, Cade Brister, along with GLVC Defensive Player of the Year, Drew Seers.  The Lions open spring ball on Wednesday, March 18 at Hunter Stadium in St. Charles, Mo.