
In a move that has sparked discussions among college football enthusiasts, the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) has appointed Ryan Held as its new head football coach.
This decision brings Held back to Nebraska, where he previously played and coached, marking a significant chapter in his extensive coaching career.
Ryan Held’s Coaching Journey
Ryan Held, 48, is no stranger to Nebraska’s football landscape. A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Held was a reserve quarterback and split end at the University of Nebraska from 1993 to 1996, contributing to two national championships during his tenure. Transitioning into coaching, Held amassed 13 years of head coaching experience across various levels, including junior college, NCAA Division II, and NAIA programs. His coaching résumé features positions at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Highland Community College, Southwestern Oklahoma State, Oklahoma Panhandle State, and Peru State. Notably, Held served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Nebraska from 2018 to 2021, where he was twice recognized as one of the nation’s top 25 recruiters by Rivals.com.
Return to Nebraska
Before accepting the head coaching role at UNK, Held spent the 2022 season as the interim head coach and offensive coordinator at NCAA Division I North Alabama. His return to Nebraska is seen as a strategic move to leverage his deep-rooted connections within the state and his comprehensive understanding of its football culture. UNK Athletic Director Marc Bauer expressed confidence in Held’s ability to elevate the program, stating, “Ryan has created a strong reputation for leading, recruiting, and developing players. His focus goes beyond the game, aimed at elevating players to become the best version of themselves on and off the field.”
Impact on UNK Football
UNK’s football program has experienced notable success in recent years, achieving a 27-11 record over the past four seasons, including a 10-3 finish in 2021 and advancement to the second round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Held aims to build upon this foundation by instilling a culture of discipline, detail, and toughness. He emphasized the importance of recruiting local talent, stating, “We will recruit impact players from winning programs who fill immediate needs — smart, tough, physical athletes who love to compete… We want Nebraska high school players to be Lopers. That will be paramount to our success.”
Reunion with Reagan Jones
An intriguing subplot to Held’s appointment is his reunion with quarterback Reagan Jones. Held had previously recruited Jones during his tenure at the University of Nebraska, envisioning him as a safety for the Cornhuskers. Although Jones initially chose to play for Missouri Western, he entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season, providing an opportunity for Held to bring him to UNK. Jones has since become a pivotal player for the Lopers, leading the team to a 2-0 start in the 2024 season, including a victory over then-No. 22 Northwest Missouri State. Held praised Jones’s capabilities, stating, “He’s got a really good skillset. He’s got a cannon for an arm, and he can run.”
Looking Forward
As Ryan Held embarks on his tenure at UNK, the anticipation surrounding the program’s trajectory is palpable. With a commitment to fostering local talent and a focus on building a resilient and competitive team, Held’s leadership is poised to make a significant impact on the Lopers’ future performances. His return to Nebraska not only signifies a homecoming but also a renewed dedication to elevating UNK’s football program to new heights.