Josh Lawson was named the head football coach at Bethel College on December 23,
2024. A 20-year football coaching veteran, Lawson has spent the last two years as an
assistant coach, Linebackers and Defensive Coordinator on Trent Figg’s staff at Calvin
University.
Lawson takes over at Bethel College after helping Calvin University start their program,
win the first game in program history, and having one of his linebackers (Isaac
Northouse) score the first points in program history by forcing a safety.
Previous to his time in Grand Rapids, Lawson had numerous stops as a Defensive
Coordinator. Lawson has led defenses at Calvin University (DIII), Arkansas Tech
University (DII), Stephen F. Austin (FCS DI), and Southern Arkansas University (DII).
Josh Lawson is originally from Berry, AL and has a bachelors and master’s degree from
the University of Alabama. Lawson is happily married to his wife Meredith Lawson. They
live in Newton, KS with their dog Lola and cat Willie.
ALL CONFERENCE &Â ALL AMERICANS COACHED
Second Team All-MIAA Linebacker: Trevor Martens (2024)
Honorable Mention All-GAC Defensive Back: Dio Williams (2021)
First Team All-GAC and All-American Defensive Tackle: Tre Chism (2019)
Honorable Mention All-GAC Defensive Back: Deandre Ervin (2019)
Second Team All-SLC Defensive Back: Alize Ward (2018)
Honorable Mention All-SLC Defensive Back: Aretavious Hendrix (2018)
Honorable Mention All-SLC Defensive Back: Trenton Gordon (2018)
First Team All-GAC Defensive Tackle: Travis Williams (2016)
Second Team All-GAC Linebacker: Malik Preston (2016)
Second Team All-GAC Linebacker: Corey Jenkins (2016)
Second Team All-GAC Defensive Back: Stacy Lawrence (2016)
Honorable Mention All-GAC Defensive End: Kendrix McCann (2016)
Honorable Mention All-GAC Corner: Darren Crawford (2016)
Honorable Mention All-GAC Safety: Elgin Moore (2016)
First Team All-GAC and All-American Corner: Quan Warren (2015)
Second Team All-GAC Safety: Elgin Moore (2015)
Second Team All-GAC linebacker: AJ Steele (2014)
Honorable Mention All-GAC linebacker: Luke Lansdell (2014)
Honorable Mention All-GAC Defensive Back: Demario Thomas (2014)
Unanimous First Team All-GAC Linebacker: Tate Mustin (2013)
Unanimous First Team All-GAC Linebacker: Mark Spaight (2013)
Second Team All-GAC Defensive Back: Quan Warren (2013)
First Team All-GAC and All-American Corner: Don Unamba (2012)
Second Team All-GAC Linebacker: Mark Spaight (2012)
Second Team All-GAC Linebacker: Malcolm Walker (2012)
Coaching History
2025 – Present Bethel College: Head Football Coach
2023 – 2024 Calvin University: Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
2019 – 2023 Arkansas Tech University: Defensive Coordinator / Secondary
2018 SFA: Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
2017 SFA: Linebackers / Co-Special Teams Coordinator
2012 – 2016 SAU: Defensive Coordinator / Special Teams Coordinator
2009 – 2012 SAU: Linebackers / Special Teams Coordinator
2007 – 2008 UAB: Assistant Linebackers Graduate Assistant
2006 Idaho State: Assistant Defensive Line
2005 Walker High School: Offensive Coordinator / Wide Receivers
2003 – 2004 University of Alabama: Quality Control Graduate Assistant
2001 – 2002 University of Alabama: Recruiting Student Assistant
