Brandon Lechtenberg joined the University of the Incarnate Word football staff in the spring of 2018. He is the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach.
In 2019, Lechtenberg’s second year with UIW, the Cardinals won five games and set several program records. UIW forced 33 turnovers through its 12 games, which led the nation even through the first round of the FCS Playoffs and ultimately ranked third nationally. UIW had a 1.33 turnover margin, also a nation-best.
The Cardinals snagged 17 interceptions, a conference-high mark that also ranked seventh nationally. Their 16 fumbles recovered ranked third. UIW had a takeaway in 23 consecutive games between 2017 and 2019. UIW’s defense scored four touchdowns, which led the SLC and ranked fifth in the nation.
LB Kelechi Anyalabechi recorded 40 tackles and garnered a team-high 5.0 sacks for 35 yards to earn a third team All-Southland Conference selection.
Lechtenberg helped coach one of the best turnarounds in the FCS in 2018 as the Cardinals went from a 1-10 overall record in 2017 to a 6-4 regular season mark, a Southland Conference Championship and an FCS Playoff berth.
Following the conclusion of UIW’s regular season (week 11), the Cardinals led the FCS with 29 turnovers gained. UIW recorded at least one turnover in every game played, including the playoffs, for the first time in program history. The turnover streak sits at 12 consecutive games following the 2018 season.
Of these 29 turnovers, 18 were interceptions. This broke the previous program record of 16 picks, set in 2011.
The defensive highlight of the season came against Sam Houston State on Nov. 1, when UIW forced a program-record seven turnovers. These seven turnovers also led the SLC in 2018. The Cardinals also recorded four interceptions at Central Arkansas (Nov. 10), setting the program record for picks in a single game.
Prior to UIW, Lechtenberg spent the 2017 season as the safeties coach at UT Martin. In one season, the Skyhawk defense quickly elevated to one of the top defenses in the FCS. In addition to finishing fourth in the nation in scoring defense, sixth in total defense, and first in redzone defense, two of Lechenberg’s three safeties finished with All-Ohio Valley Conference honors.
With his guidance, the Skyhawks led the Ohio Valley Conference in scoring defense and ranked second in total defense. Under his tutelage, Lechtenberg’s safeties ranked second in the conference in passing defense. The Skyhawks were also third in the league with 11 interceptions for 112 yards.
Before UT Martin, Lechtenberg served as defensive coordinator at Millsaps College (2011-16). He consistently led the Majors defense to the top, or near the top, of the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) in every major defensive category. Lechtenberg’s defensive unit led the SAA in both total defense and scoring defense in 2012 and 2013.
The Majors produced the Defensive Player of the Year in the SAA in 2012 and 2013 and saw seven defensive players earn All-SAA honors in 2016, including three first team performers.
Prior to Millsaps, Lechtenberg served as a graduate assistant coach at Texas Christian University from 2009-11. He spent the 2010 season as a defensive graduate assistant after spending two seasons working in video.
Lechtenberg started his coaching career at the high school level. From 2007-08, he was the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator for Central City High School in Central City, Nebraska. Before that, he served from 2005-07 at North Star High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator.
A native of Butte, Nebraska, Lechtenberg earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and a master’s degree from TCU. He is married to Dee Anna Lechtenberg and the couple has one daughter, Irene Lechtenberg.
