Football Coaching Staff

Travis Graber, head coach

Travis Graber begins his ninth year on the Thresher coaching staff and his first as head coach. During Graber’s tenure at Bethel, he has coached 21 players to all-conference honors. In 2007, his defensive unit had 10 players named to All-KCAC teams. Safety Brandon Kaufman and defensive lineman James McCartney were selected a American Football Coaches Association 1st Team NAIA All-American in 2007 and 2009.

Graber spent 2000-01 at Lawrence (Kan.) High School as an assistant varsity coach and sophomore defensive coordinator, coaching the sophomore offensive line and the defensive secondary and linebackers. Before that, he spent one season at Wamego (Kan.) High School, 1999-2000, as an assistant varsity coach, coaching running backs and linebackers. He also coordinated the junior varsity defense.

Graber is active during summer with camps. He helps conduct the Bethel College football camp as well as traveling to Dallas for the Jay Novacek Football Camp. He also serves as recruiting coordinator for the Thresher football program.

Graber has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bethel College (1997) and a degree in secondary education and business education from Kansas State University (2000). He earned his master’s degree in sports administration from Wichita State University in 2005.

Graber and his wife, Penny, have a daughter, Bailey, and a son, Brody. They live in Newton.

Chase Hansen, offensive coordinator

Chase Hansen begins his second year on staff at Bethel College, serving as offensive coordinator. Chase graduated from Bethel in May of 2008 and participated in Bethel’s football program from 2004-2007. While at Bethel, Hansen started every game for the Threshers on the offensive line. He was a four-time all-conference offensive lineman, twice being selected to the first team, and also a two-time All-American.

Hansen earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Bethel College and is now in the exercise science master’s degree program at Wichita State University.

Brett Clow, assistant coach and recruiting coordinator

Brett Clow begins his second year on staff at Bethel College, coaching and serving as recruiting coordinator. Brett graduated from Bethel in May of 2009 and was a four year starter at quarterback for the Threshers from 2005-2008. Brett was selected to the KCAC All-Conference team 3 times. Brett holds many records at Bethel College, including most career wins, passing percentage, and passing yards.

Clow earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bethel College and is now in the sports administration master’s degree program at Wichita State University.

Adrian Johnson, assistant coach

Brandon Kaufman, assistant coach

Lonnie Morford, assistant coach

Lonnie Morford begins his third season on the Bethel College coaching staff. While at Bethel, he has coached the tight ends and currently coaches the running backs. Morford spent 2003-2004 at Lyndon High School as an assistant coaching wide receivers and linebackers. Following that he was an assistant varsity and head freshman coach at Santa Fe Trail High School in Carbondale, Kansas. At Santa Fe Trail he coached the offensive line, secondary and linebackers. Morford has a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education-Social Studies from Kansas State University (2003) and a Master’s Degree in Adaptive Special Education from Emporia State University (2006). Morford and his wife, Kendra, have two sons, Lynn and Kwynn.

Jerry Taylor, assistant coach

Zachary Towns, assistant coach

Zach Towns begins his first year on staff at Bethel College. He serves as the assistant strength and conditioning coordinator, assistant special teams coordinator, equipment manager, and injured player specialist. Zach graduated from Bethel in May of 2009 and was a four year starter at linebacker for the Threshers from 2005-2008. Zach earned All-KCAC honors 3 times and recorded over 200 tackles, many pass break ups and one interception.

Towns earned his bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Bethel College and is now in the exercise science master’s degree program at Wichita State University.