Bio

Ryland Widener joined the Coffeyville Community College coaching staff as Defensive Line Coach in the spring of 2026. Widener, originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, comes with extensive experience at the NCAA Division II level. He most recently coached at Delta State University (2023–24), where he played a key role in the program’s Gulf South Conference Championship and a No. 8 national ranking. Widener helped lead a defense that ranked among the best in Division II in sacks, rush defense, scoring defense, and defensive efficiency, while also leading the GSC in fumbles forced and recovered. Several of his defensive linemen earned all-conference honors and professional opportunities (NFL & IFL) during his tenure.

 Before Delta State, Widener coached at East Central University, contributing to one of the most successful seasons in program history. ECU finished 9–3, won the Heritage Bowl, and fielded a defense that ranked near or at the top of the Great American Conference in several categories: #1 in sacks, #1 tackles for loss, #1 turnover margin, #2 scoring defense, and #2 total defense. Widener was also heavily involved in recruiting efforts, helping secure nationally ranked transfer portal classes.

 Widener played collegiately at Northern Colorado University, Hutchinson Community College, and East Central University, where he was a three-year starter on the defensive line and a Heart of Texas Bowl runner-up in 2014. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and his master’s degree in Sports Administration from East Central University.