The University of Virginia's College at Wise Athletics

Klay Koester begins his second season as the offensive coordinator at UVa-Wise this fall. A year ago, Koester’s offense rushed for 112.1 yards per game, the total was an over 40 yards per game improvement from its 2015 showing. Additionally, UVa-Wise turned the ball over 16 fewer times in 2016 while orchestrating four game-winning drives in the final five minutes or in overtime.

Prior to coming to UVa-Wise, Koester held the same position at Cumberland University (Tenn.) in 2015. In his lone season at Cumberland, Koester’s offense averaged 27.5 points per game while rushing for 182.6 yards per contest.

Prior to arriving at Cumberland, Koester spent five seasons as wide receivers and tight ends coach at his alma mater, Eastern Kentucky University.

The Colonels played in the NCAA FCS Playoffs twice in the five seasons, including 2014 when EKU finished 9-4 overall, averaging 31.2 points per game and over 400 yards per game in total offense.

Koester coached 2013 East-West Shrine All-Star Game participant Tyrone Goard as well as Devin Borders, Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American at EKU. The Colonels produced an all-conference receiver three consecutive campaigns from 2011-13.

He has also served as the kickoff return coordinator during his second tenure at EKU, with the Colonels ranking 12th nationally in kickoff return yards in 2014 and 13th in 2010. Jeremy Caldwell was the No. 2 kick returner in the country in 2010 at 33.7 yards per return.

Koester coached one year at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, under head coach Hal Mumme. Marcus Franklin and Delfonte Diamond were both selected All-Conference for the War Hawks during his one season as wide receivers coach and kickoff return coordinator.

He began his coaching career as a student assistant at EKU from 2005-06, helping with quarterbacks and wide receivers, including signaling plays and coordinating summer 7-on-7 summer leagues as well as assisting with on-campus recruiting.

Koester then moved into a graduate assistant role with the wide receivers and quarterbacks in 2007 and 2008, where he helped the Colonels win back-to-back OVC Championships. He assisted the offensive coordinator with the pass game for that week’s game and signaled plays.

Cumberland averaged 27.5 points and 385.8 yards per game despite a myriad of injuries on the offensive line, with the team starting nine difference combinations in 11 games. Quarterback Justin Snyder threw for 2,147 yards and 20 touchdowns while running backs Austin Chaplin, Brandon Byrd and Moses Cornelius combined for 1,510 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.

The Canton, Georgia native earned all-county and all-metro honors during his high school playing days. Injuries limited his football playing time at EKU.

Koester earned his bachelor’s in physical education with an emphasis in sport management at Eastern Kentucky in 2007 and garnered a master’s in physical education with an emphasis in sport management from EKU in 2009. He is married to the former Angie Kuntz of Danville, Ill.