Duane Wilson has become an integral part of Ferris State's success ever since his arrival in August 1990.

Wilson was promoted to defensive coordinator in the fall of 1995 and assumed responsibilities of assistant head coach 12 seasons ago.  The 2009 campaign represents his 11th as FSU's linebackers coach.

Wilson, who also serves as the program's strength and conditioning coordinator, spent his first nine years at Ferris coaching the defensive line.  Under his guidance, the Bulldogs have ranked annually among the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's top defensive units while also being recognized on the national level.

Wilson has coached a number of standout defensive linemen at FSU, including eight All-Americans.  Ed Philion (1993), who's currently playing in the Canadian Football?League (CFL)?with the Montreal Alouettes following a four-year NFL?career, is among the most notable Bulldog linemen.  Under Wilson's tutelage, Ferris has averaged around 35 sacks a year since 1992.

Wilson played three years as a lineman in the U.S. Football League (USFL)?with the Oklahoma-Arizona Outlaws and started the last seven games of his rookie season before suffering an injury.  Prior to the USFL, Wilson had a both a productive playing and coaching career at Western Michigan University.  The team captain was the Broncos' Most Improved Player and attained first-team All-Mid-American Conference (MAC)?honors at offensive tackle as a senior.  Following his playing career, Wilson remained at WMU where he served as a graduate assistant coach for two years and coached the offensive tackles for WMU's MAC?championship team and 1988 California Bowl participant.  He was named to WMU's All-Century Top 100 Football Players list in November 2005.

Wilson received a bachelor's degree in physical education/coaching from WMU?in 1983 and earned a Master's Degree in athletic administration at Western in 1990.

Wilson coached varsity football at his alma mater, Burton (Mich.)?Bentley High School, for three years and guided the Bulldogs to a 9-1 season in 1987.  He was an all-league performer in football, basketball, and baseball at Bentley High.  An American Football Coaches Association (AFCA)?member, Wilson has a daughter, Rachael (16).