Former Iowa football defensive lineman has been named the defensive line coach at Drake University, head coach Joe Woodley announced on Tuesday.
Evans is one of eight coaches who was confirmed to be joining the Drake coaching staff by new head coach Joe Woodley. The announcement came via a Tuesday announcement from Woodley, the former head coach at Grand View from 2019-2024, who praised the former Hawkeye for his abilities and legacy.
“His intensity and enthusiasm will be infectious with our guys,” Woodley said in a statement released by Drake Athletic Communications. “The Drake defensive line is in for a real treat to be able to learn under him.”
Hailing from Ames, Iowa, Evans joined the Hawkeye program as a walk-on in 2018, but eventually turned into a defensive stalwart, collecting 135 tackles, 35 for loss, 28 sacks, and one touchdown in 56 games played.
Evans guided the Hawkeyes to an impressive 10-4 campaign during his senior season in 2023, a year that also saw him earn third-team All-Big Ten honors and be named a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on.
Evans’ final game as a Hawkeye was a 35-0 blowout loss to Tennessee in the 2024 Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, but the lineman still went out on a high note with a career-high four sacks. Evans signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 3, but was later released by the Ravens on Sept. 24 after spending time on Baltimore’s practice squad.
Now, he ventures into the coaching profession, where he will be located a mere 30 minutes from his hometown.
“As a proud Iowan I feel humbled and blessed to start my coaching career at Drake University,” Evans said in Woodley’s message. “I can’t wait to join the incredible staff Joe Woodley is putting together. My goal is to help build and grow this great program. Go Bulldogs!”