David Braun, a former WSU defensive captain, returned to Winona State prior to the 2011 season and made an immediate impact on the Warriors’ swarming defense. Braun is in his fourth season as the team’s co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
Three of Braun’s linebackers earned all-conference honors in 2013, with Collin Corcoran, Ryan Gerts and Morgan Weaver all claiming all-league recognition. The WSU defense also finished tenth nationally and second in the NSIC with 15 fumble recoveries.
The WSU defense was a big part in the team winning ten games in 2012 and advancing to the Mineral Water Bowl. Teams averaged just 351 yards against the Warriors while coughing up 25 turnovers. Linebackers Morgan Weaver and Ryan Gerts each earned all-conference recognition for their play.
Braun tutored all-NSIC selections Chad Cheek, Alex Coulter and Ryan Gerts during the 2011 season with Gerts also earning NSIC Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors. The Warrior defense was fourth in the NSIC in tackles for loss, using an aggressive 3-4 alignment to put constant pressure on opponent’s backfield.
Braun returned to Winona after spending the 2010 season as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Culver-Stockton. Culver-Stockton defenders finished 11th national with 25 sacks and forced 25 takeaways as a unit.
After a standout career on the field with Winona State, Braun spent two seasons as a graduate assistant working with the defensive line under WSU head coach Tom Sawyer. He helped coach defenses in 2007 and 2008 that led the league in turnover margin. The Warriors forced 23 takeaways in 2007 while netting 37 turnovers the next season.
Braun was a two-time all-conference player on the defensive line for the Warriors, helping the team to conference titles in 2004, 2005 and 2007. WSU advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs three times in his four seasons.
He helped lead the Warriors to an NSIC Championship and a spot in the NCAA Division II Playoffs in 2007 and was a part of a defense that led the NSIC in turnover margin the following year. In two seasons with WSU, six of Braun’s defensive linemen were named all-conference performers.
As a player, Braun played on three NSIC Championship teams and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs in 2003, 2004 and 2006. He was an all-NSIC selection as a sophomore and junior, and was a part of a unit that led the conference in scoring defense three times during his WSU career.
Braun graduated from Winona State in 2008 with a degree in Secondary Education.Â
Braun and his wife Kristin live in Winona.
