“We are thrilled to announce Coach Lawson as our next head coach,” said Athletic Director Tim Swartzendruber. “His enthusiasm and energy were evident when he was on campus. He is passionate about developing young men, and he has a strong football pedigree. I believe he will not only elevate our program but produce graduates we […]
“We are thrilled to announce Coach Lawson as our next head coach,” said Athletic Director Tim Swartzendruber. “His enthusiasm and energy were evident when he was on campus. He is passionate about developing young men, and he has a strong football pedigree. I believe he will not only elevate our program but produce graduates we are proud of who will be positive ambassadors for Bethel College.”
Bethel College is confident that Coach Lawson’s leadership will guide the Threshers football team to new heights while fostering a culture of excellence and integrity.
Coach Lawson holds a Master of Arts in Human Performance with an emphasis in Sports Management from the University of Alabama, where he also earned his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.
“I am extremely excited to lead the Bethel Thresher football team,” said Lawson. “First, I would like to thank Athletic Director Tim Swartzendruber and the entire search committee for believing in my vision for Threshers football. Throughout the interview process, I was impressed by how the entire Bethel community is aligned in creating a special student experience. My wife Meredith and I are ready to invest 100% of ourselves into this program.”
Lawson’s impressive career includes stints at multiple universities, where he coached players who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL, including Don Unamba and John Franklin-Myers. His proven ability to identify and develop talent in overlooked areas will be a significant asset for Bethel’s football program.
Coach Lawson comes to Bethel from Calvin University as the defensive coordinator, where he played a pivotal role as a in starting the football program from scratch. Calvin’s program grew from no players or equipment in early 2023 to a roster of over 110 players by its first game in September 2024. His ability to build a program from the ground up, recruit high-caliber student-athletes, and foster a strong team culture will be invaluable as he leads Bethel forward.
NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Bethel College is thrilled to announce the hiring of Josh Lawson as the new head coach of the Threshers football program. Coach Lawson brings over two decades of coaching experience and a reputation for developing student-athletes on and off the field.
Coach Lawson’s philosophy for the team is rooted in four core values, which he calls the “Thresher DNA”: Together, Tough, Purpose, and Process. “These traits will define everything we do as a football team,” Lawson explained. “We will prepare young men to be champions on the field, but also in their faith, in the classroom, in their careers, and in serving the community.”
