After seven years as a high school football and baseball coach in Maryland, Lock Haven University graduate Doug Thiel is set for his fifth season at Lycoming as a defensive line coach.
In his first year with the Warriors, Thiel helped mentor one of the most ferocious defenses in the nation, as the team finished in the top 10 in Division III in five statistical categories. In 2012, while mentoring three all-conference and two all-region lineman, Thiel's defensive line led the league in rushing defense and the line helped pace a defense that finished fourth in the nation in scoring defense (12.4). The line shined again in 2013, as the Warriors led the league in scoring defense (18.6) for the second straight year. The line again led the conference in rushing defense (91.4). Once again, the line performed well in 2014, with Cole Welham developing into a first team all-conference selection and the team finishing the year second in the MAC with 33 sacks.
During his first three years, Thiel has coached two All-Americans, four all-region selections and eight all-conference selections.
Thiel coached at Kent Island High School for seven seasons, serving as the assistant head coach, defensive coordinator, linebackers and offensive line coach during his tenure. Along the way, he helped the Buccaneers make their first appearance and win their first game in the state playoffs along with coaching three all-state players, two conference players of the year, 15 first-team all-conference selections and helped nine players go on to play college football.
As the assistant baseball coach at Kent Island, Thiel assisted the 2008 team to the 2A state title and helped five players go on to play college baseball during his six years with the program.
A four-year member of the Lock Haven football team, Thiel graduated with a degree in health and physical education. He resides in South Williamsport with his wife, Staci, and daughter, Kinley.
