Brad Wilson enters his fifth season as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Wayne State University football program in the fall of 2016 after being named to the position in February 2012.
Last year, he helped mentor two Second Team All-GLIAC performers in Jamiil Williams and Zak Bielecki, along with one Academic All-GLIAC honoree (James Hendrix). The WSU defense finished 44th nationally in first downs defense allowing just 197 throughout the season.
In addition, Bielecki was selected as the squad's Defensive Most Valuable Player, while Williams received the Ron Solack "35" Award for wearing his uniform with unmatched pride and playing the game with enthusiasm.
In 2014, two of his players earned All-Region accolades as Bielecki was a Daktronics Second Team All-Region honoree, while Gerren DuHart was a Beyond Sports Network Second Team All-Region selection prior to being named to the USA Football All-America Second Team. Bielecki tied for first in the GLIAC and was ninth nationally in solo tackles per game (6.6), while also earning Academic All-GLIAC honors. DuHart was a First Team All-GLIAC honoree while Bielecki was named to the All-GLIAC Honorable Mention Team.
As a unit, the 2014 Warrior defense led the GLIAC in both tackles for loss (9.3) and sacks (2.91) per game, which ranked eighth and 22nd nationally, respectively. WSU finished 38th in Division II in total defense allowing 338.5 yards per game.
In 2013, five of his student-athletes received Academic All-GLIAC honors (Zak Bielecki, Kevin Buford-Wilson, James Hendrix, Austin Nelson and Mike Sawchuk) with redshirt freshman Valorian Cunningham being voted the Warriors Defensive Rookie of the Year by his teammates. His contingent totaled seven interceptions, 17 pass break-ups and six tackles for loss. His defense ranked 35th nationally allowing just 197.5 passing yards per game.
Four of his student-athletes received Academic All-GLIAC accolades (Zak Bielecki, Kevin Buford-Wilson, Austin Nelson and Mike Sawchuk) for the 2012 season with another, Gerren DuHart, being voted First Team All-GLIAC as well as Second Team All-Super Region 4. In addition, the Warriors ranked ninth nationally in pass defense allowing just 165 yards per game through the air. His defensive back corps recorded 15 pass break-ups and four interceptions during the 2012 campaign. In addition, redshirt freshman Jamiil Williams was voted WSU's Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Prior to coming to Detroit, Wilson spent the previous four seasons (2008-2011) as the secondary coach at Ashland University. He was also AU's director of summer football camps.
A 2007 AU graduate with a degree in education, Wilson spent two seasons (2005-2006) as a student assistant coach with the Eagles. In that role he worked with the defensive backs, tutoring the cornerbacks and helping to break down film.
He began his coaching career at his high school alma mater (Shelby) from 2002-04, where he was the special teams coordinator and at various times coached the outside linebackers, defensive backs and wide receivers.
Wilson was on the staff at Bowling Green for one year (2007) as the defensive graduate assistant coach with the Falcons.
He and his wife, Amber, have two sons, Brady and Logan, and reside in Northville.
