WILKES-BARRE – As the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Hobart College, Jonathan Drach was instrumental in leading the Statesmen to six Liberty League Conference championships, seven NCAA playoff appearances (two Sweet Sixteens/one Elite Eight) and three consecutive undefeated regular seasons. Drach will now run his own program as the new head football coach at Wilkes University.
Wilkes Director of Athletics Addy Malatesta announced Saturday the selection of Drach to pilot the Colonels following the conclusion of an extended search process. Drach has been successful on the regional and national level while mentoring talented student-athletes at a highly regarded academic and athletic institution.
“I am so thankful to have the opportunity to lead the Wilkes University football program,” Drach said. ” I look forward to being a part of such a dynamic academic community that offers students the opportunity to be successful on and off the field. It was clear throughout the interview process that Wilkes University is driven and passionate about providing all the necessary resources and support for our student athletes. My family and I are excited to be immersed in the Wilkes-Barre community,” he added.
Drach comes to Wilkes after 11 years at Hobart. He began his career as quarterbacks coach in 2007 until adding offensive coordinator to his responsibilities in 2014. Since his transition to offensive coordinator, Drach’s offenses have increased their completion percentage by 10 percent over the previous school record. His offenses also set school marks in singles season touchdown/interception ratio, passing yards, completion percentage, passing efficiency, passing touchdowns and total offense all while going 92-24 over the past eleven seasons.
Drach coached the Liberty League Offensive Player of the Year in 2007, 2014, 2016 and 2017 and the ECAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2007 and 2016. He also coached seven All-League quarterbacks and the Bill Middleton Memorial Football Award Winner.
During his time at Hobart, Drach made it clear that he had a vested interest in the academic success of his student-athletes by coordinating academic support programs and working with faculty to improve player academic performance. These efforts helped the team maintain a 3.08 grade point average last season.
“Clear to us was that our student-athletes were drawn to Coach Drach’s competitive nature and his success on the field and in the classroom,” said Wilkes University Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Paul Adams. “His emphasis on our student-athlete’s post-graduation success struck a resonant chord with our team.”
A native of St. Charles, Ill., Drach earned his bachelor’s degree in business finance and economics from Western Michigan University in 2004. Drach was a member of the 2000 Western Michigan Broncos squad that won the West Division of the Mid-American Conference. A three-year starter , he enjoyed his finest year as a senior, completing a single season record 67 percent of his passes for 1,499 yards and 13 TDs.
During his time at Western Michigan, Drach earned a spot on the Dean’s List six times, was a two-time MAC All-Academic Team selection, and received the Broncos’ 2003 John Gill Scholar-Athlete Award.
“As a team, we will look to continually improve and be process driven as we compete on and off the field,” Drach explain. ” I am eager to start working with the team and complete the incoming recruiting class for 2018.”
Drach becomes the ninth head coach since the startup of the program in 1946 (72 years). Wilkes will officially introduce Drach at a press conference on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. in the Hall of Fame room of the Marts Center.
