Bio

Twitter: @DLCoachBurns

Jay Burns is in his third year as Associate Head Football Coach and Co-Defensive Coordinator.

Burns came to William Penn following three seasons at Avila University.  At Avila, he served as recruiting coordinator, camp coordinator, and defensive line coach.

Avila’s defense improved tremendously under Burns, including dropping between 60-95 yards in rush defense and over 100 yards in pass defense.  He coached several players to all-conference honors.

Prior to his time at Avila, Burns was on the staff at the University of South Dakota for two campaigns, working with all daily aspects of the defense, headlined by primary instruction with the defensive backs and the defensive line.

He also worked as video coordinator and coached the offensive scout team.

A native of Kansas City, Kan., Burns began his coaching career at Rockhurst HS from 2013-2016 as a defensive line coach.  Under Missouri High School Hall of Fame Coach Tony Severino, he helped Rockhurst to a Class 6A championship game appearance in 2014 and a semifinal berth in 2016.

In 2017, Burns moved to Tampa, Fla. where he was again a defensive line coach at H.B. Plant HS, guiding the program to a spot in the Class 7A semifinals.

As a collegiate athlete, Burns played at Butler Community College before transferring to South Dakota.  He was a two-year starter at USD and graduated from the University in 2013 with degree in Sport Management.  Burns also has a Master’s in Adult and Higher Education from South Dakota in 2019.

During his prep career at Bishop Ward HS, Burns was a two-sport athlete in football and basketball.  He led his basketball team to a state tournament berth.

Burns lives in Oskaloosa with his wife Elizabeth.