By Sara Wiercinski
Avila University has hired Ed Warinner as head football coach starting in the 2026 season. Warinner brings more than 40 years of NCAA Division I coaching experience, including five seasons as offensive coordinator for the University of Kansas.
At a December 16 press conference, University President Dr. Andy Jett and Athletic Director Shawn Summe formally welcomed Warinner to Avila.
“We are looking forward to Coach Warinner joining our Avila University family as our new head football coach, and also as someone who brings a wealth of collegiate coaching experience at some of the finest academic institutions in the country,” said Athletic Director Shawn Summe. “His desire to see young men reach their full potential – not only on the football field but in all aspects of life – really showed throughout the interview process.”
Warinner said he is eager to take the helm of “Kansas City’s hometown football team,” and that he looks forward to following local high school teams for recruiting. “You play football because you love the sport, the work, the comaraderie with your teammates. It’s not about the number of fans in the stands.”
Warinner was Offensive Coordinator with Ohio State for their 2014 National Championship. He spent two seasons as offensive line coach and run game coordinator at the University of Notre Dame. He has coached at Michigan State, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Florida Atlantic, the United States Military Academy West Point and the Air Force Academy.
In total, Warinner has two College Football Playoff Appearances, 18 bowl trips, six Big Ten rushing titles to his name and has developed more than 25 players to the NFL since 2010.
Warinner and his wife, Mary Beth, have three children and two grandchildren. Warinner’s daughters live in the Kansas City area, having attended high school in Lawrence and KU. “My wife and I look forward to getting reacquainted with the Kansas City metro area. It’s good to be back home,” he said.
Warinner spoke of the importance of character for student athletes and redefining “fun” to a younger generation: working hard, supporting teammates, and enjoying the results.
“Trophies are nice. Ribbons are nice. But this is a people business… it’s about the people.”
Avila Football faces McPherson College at home on August 29, 2026.
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