Reed Florence joined the Valpo football program in December 2024 as offensive coordinator.
Florence spent the last three seasons on Waddle’s staff at Marietta, where he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He was named the 2024 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Assistant Coach of the Year after helping the Pioneers average nearly 460 yards of total offense per game, second only to Mount Union, and a league-best 3,020 passing yards.
Under Florence’s leadership, the Pioneers offense broke the following program records in 2024 – points (433), points per game (43.3), offensive touchdowns (58), passing touchdowns (29), first downs (236), passing first downs (123), offensive yards (4,612) and yards per game (461.2).
During Florence’s three years at Marietta, the Pioneers enjoyed a 22-8 overall record and 19-8 conference mark. He mentored Connor Vierstra, the Marietta all-time leading quarterback in every career statistical category, as well as Dawson Snyder, who finished his career as the program’s all-time leading wide receiver in every statistical category. He also developed Bryce Agnew, a 2022 All-American and the program’s second all-time leading rusher, while instructing 20 all-league and three all-region selections.
During the 2024 season, Marietta ranked among conference and national leaders in the following offensive categories – first-down offense (second OAC, 21st nationally), passing offense (second OAC, 32nd nationally), red-zone offense (second OAC, eighth nationally), scoring offense (second OAC, 21st nationally), total offense (second OAC, 19th nationally) and more.
Prior to his arrival at Marietta in February 2022, Florence served as the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach and running backs coach at Wittenberg University from March 2017 to February 2022 after initially joining the Wittenberg staff coaching safeties (January 2016 to June 2016) and wide receivers (June 2016 to March 2017). During his time leading the offense, the Tigers posted a 33-8 record including a 31-5 conference mark and three conference championships. The offense averaged 402.67 yards, 33.97 points, 243.1 passing yards and 159.57 rushing yards per game while converting at a 43.5 percent clip on third down and a 75 percent clip in the red zone. He instructed 20 all-league honorees.
Before leading the offense at Wittenberg, Florence served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Millikin University (January 2015 to January 2016), the quarterbacks coach at Marian University (June 2014 to January 2015) and the assistant defensive backs coach at Wittenberg (January 2014 to June 2014). He graduated from Wittenberg with a bachelor’s degree in sports management in May 2014 after two seasons as the team’s starting quarterback. During his playing days, Florence was named USA Today Division-III Quarterback of the Year and 2013 conference MVP while compiling a 38-7 league record as a three-time conference champion.
What They’re Saying About Coach Florence
Connor Vierstra, Former Marietta College Quarterback: “Coach Florence is a coach who brings incredible energy and a great mindset to football. His ability to connect with players and develop game plans is second to none. He’s not only a brilliant coach, but he’s also someone who invests in building relationships and fostering growth, both on and off the field. I’m confident he’ll have a huge impact at Valpo, just like he did at Marietta.”
Tyson Beacham, University of the Cumberlands Wide Receivers & Tight Ends Coach: “Reed is one of the best offensive minds who I’ve had a chance to work with. He is always working to put together the best scheme possible to put his players in a spot where they can succeed on the field. The relationships he has with his players speak for themselves in how hard they play for him. He’s a proven winner from his career as a quarterback and as a play caller. He will bring tremendous value to the Valpo football program.”
Joe Fincham, Former Wittenberg University Head Coach, 1996-2021: “Reed is one of the best players we had in my 30 plus years at Wittenberg. He was a tireless worker, fearless on game day and respected by all. The same skill set benefits him as a coach. Young men love playing for Reed Florence.”
BJ Coad, Ohio Dominican Offensive Coordinator: “I couldn’t be happier for Coach Florence in his well-earned new opportunity at Valparaiso. He is a great offensive mind with a proven ability to recruit and develop his players to their highest potential. I have no doubt he will continue to maximize each player to their fullest potential while leading Valparaiso’s offense to new heights!”
