TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University football program and Head Coach Brant McAdams announced the return of Zach Willis to the Lute coaching staff for the 2022 season.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to be back here at PLU working with the football program. PLU made a great impact on my life and I am looking forward to connecting and encouraging student-athletes to be their best on and off the field," said Willis.  
 
"I'm excited to utilize my educational background in sport psychology to influence how I coach and teach. I believe it is crucial to address the whole person when coaching student-athletes and I am looking forward to seeing their growth on and off the field." 
 
A Lute alum, Willis returns to the program for the second year in an expanded capacity. In addition to his duties as an assistant offensive line coach, the 2019 PLU graduate will additionally utilize his educational training in sport psychology to influence how he coaches, specifically coaching the whole student-athlete.
 
"Zach has been a priceless addition to our staff over the last two years. He brings a passion for PLU football and a familiarity to the program as a recent grad but what sets him apart is the experience and education he brings in mental strength training. Our student-athletes have a competitive advantage with Coach Willis as a resource," said Head Coach Brant McAdams. 

Willis currently serves as a Master Resilience Trainer - Performance Expert at nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord, educating military personnel in a variety of mental skills. In that role, Willis has incorporated performance and resilience techniques into the military base's training curriculum. 

Willis additionally has experience as an offensive line coach at Lynden Christian High School during the 2020-2021 academic year.

A 2019 Lute graduate, Willis was a four-year member of the PLU football team. He earned a kinesiology degree with a minor in sport and exercise psychology before attaining a master's degree in sport and exercise psychology from Western Washington University in 2021.