Oklahoma’s move is a “dream come true” for linebackers coach Nate Dreiling, who feels “humbled” by the opportunity.
In the world of college football, opportunities to coach at a program with the stature and tradition of the Oklahoma Sooners are rare and hard-earned. For Nate Dreiling, Oklahoma’s decision to hire him as its linebackers coach represents the culmination of years of hard work, a deep commitment to developing young athletes, and a relentless drive to improve as a coach. It’s a move that Dreiling describes as a “dream come true,” and he approaches it with a sense of humility, knowing just how significant the opportunity is, not only for him but for his family and his career.
Dreiling’s journey to one of the most prestigious football programs in the country is one marked by grit, perseverance, and a willingness to take on new challenges. He’s not a coach who arrived at this point through a series of lucky breaks. Rather, his ascension in the coaching ranks is a testament to his dedication, his ability to connect with players, and his belief in the power of continuous learning and self-improvement. The opportunity to coach at Oklahoma has meant a great deal to Dreiling, and he enters the role with a clear vision and an eagerness to contribute to the program’s success.
A Humble Beginning
Before he became a sought-after linebacker coach, Nate Dreiling’s football journey began in the small town of Valley Center, Kansas. Growing up, Dreiling was no stranger to the sport. His passion for football took root early, and he found himself drawn to the linebacker position, where he could make an impact on both sides of the ball. His time as a player set the foundation for his coaching philosophy—one that emphasizes hard work, discipline, and the ability to adapt to new challenges.
Dreiling played college football at Emporia State University, a Division II school, where he was a standout linebacker. His college career may not have put him on the radar of major football programs immediately, but it gave him the tools and mindset to understand the importance of perseverance. As a player, Dreiling developed a keen understanding of the intricacies of the linebacker position. His football IQ, combined with his drive to succeed, was evident on the field, and these same qualities would serve him well as a coach.
After his playing days were over, Dreiling transitioned into coaching, initially taking small roles at various schools before moving up the coaching ladder. It wasn’t an easy road. Like many coaches, Dreiling had to prove himself in smaller programs before earning the opportunity to join larger, more established teams. He began his coaching career at the high school level, where he worked as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. His ability to develop players and his focus on building strong, disciplined defenses earned him a reputation as a rising star in coaching circles.
The Rise to Oklahoma
Dreiling’s work at the high school level eventually led to opportunities at the collegiate level. He spent time coaching at programs like the University of Kansas and the University of Northern Iowa, where his passion for coaching linebackers and his commitment to player development continued to shine. But it was his tenure at Wichita State University that truly launched his career as a respected coach in the football world.
While coaching at Wichita State, Dreiling was responsible for building a defense that would rival some of the best programs in the country. His ability to develop linebackers and his defensive schemes began to garner attention from larger programs, and it wasn’t long before Oklahoma came calling. The Sooners, looking for someone who could mold their linebackers into a dominant unit, saw Dreiling as the ideal fit for their coaching staff.
For Dreiling, the chance to join a program as prestigious as Oklahoma was a dream he’d long hoped for. The Sooners have a rich history of success, with multiple national championships and a tradition of producing some of the best football players in the country. For a coach like Dreiling, this opportunity was the realization of a lifelong goal. However, despite the excitement of joining such a storied program, Dreiling has remained grounded, constantly emphasizing how humbled he is by the opportunity.
The “Dream Come True” Opportunity
When Dreiling was first contacted by Oklahoma’s coaching staff, he was understandably thrilled. The chance to work under head coach Brent Venables, a coach who has made his mark as one of the best defensive minds in college football, was too good an opportunity to pass up. Venables, known for his defensive prowess, saw in Dreiling a coach who shared his commitment to developing tough, smart, and disciplined football players. Venables knew that Dreiling’s experience with linebackers and his understanding of the game would be key to strengthening Oklahoma’s defense.
In his initial comments after joining the Oklahoma staff, Dreiling spoke about how honored and excited he was to be a part of the program. “It’s a dream come true,” Dreiling said. “To be able to coach at a program like Oklahoma, with all the tradition, the talent, and the resources, it’s truly humbling. This is the kind of opportunity every coach dreams about, and I’m just thankful to be here.”
The humility that Dreiling has displayed since joining Oklahoma is a reflection of his character. Despite the fact that he’s now coaching at one of the most iconic programs in college football, Dreiling remains focused on the work ahead of him. He understands that while the opportunity is significant, the real measure of success will come from the players’ growth and the defense’s performance on the field. Dreiling has made it clear that he is committed to building the best linebacking corps in the country and to making a lasting impact on the team’s success.
Building Relationships and Developing Players
One of Dreiling’s core coaching philosophies is his belief in the importance of building strong relationships with his players. He doesn’t view himself as simply a coach who teaches X’s and O’s—he believes that connecting with players on a personal level is essential for creating a winning culture. Dreiling’s time spent coaching at smaller programs has shown him the importance of trust and mutual respect between coach and player.
“I’ve always believed that to get the best out of your players, you need to build a relationship with them,” Dreiling explained. “It’s not enough to just show them how to play a position; you have to help them grow as individuals, understand what drives them, and create a bond that makes them want to play for you and for each other.”
This philosophy will serve him well at Oklahoma, where the expectations are high, and the pressure to win is constant. Dreiling’s approach, which centers on understanding his players as both athletes and people, is something that he hopes will create a culture of accountability, hard work, and trust within the program. His focus on developing young men both on and off the field will be one of the driving factors in his success at Oklahoma.
Looking Toward the Future
As Dreiling settles into his role at Oklahoma, he faces the daunting task of improving a defense that will be counted on to compete at the highest level. The Sooners are looking to return to national prominence, and much of that will depend on the development of their defensive unit, including the linebackers.
Dreiling’s experience and expertise will be key in shaping the linebackers into a force to be reckoned with. He brings with him a reputation for developing athletes who can read the game, play with physicality, and execute complex schemes. In Oklahoma’s defense, the linebackers will be asked to do a variety of things: from stopping the run to covering tight ends and running backs in pass coverage. Dreiling’s ability to mold these players into well-rounded, versatile athletes will be crucial for the success of the defense as a whole.
But as Dreiling looks ahead to the challenges of the upcoming seasons, he remains focused on his primary goal: to help Oklahoma achieve sustained success. “I’m here to make this defense the best it can be, and that starts with the linebackers,” Dreiling stated. “We’ve got a lot of talent in that room, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
Nate Dreiling’s move to Oklahoma is more than just a coaching change—it’s the realization of a lifelong dream. The former linebacker and rising coaching star has worked tirelessly to reach this point in his career, and now that he’s at one of the top programs in college football, he’s ready to make an impact.
His humility, focus on relationships, and commitment to developing his players make him an ideal fit for Oklahoma’s coaching staff. As the Sooners look to the future, Dreiling’s leadership will play a critical role in shaping the team’s defense and helping the program return to its rightful place at the top of college football.
For Dreiling, the opportunity to coach at Oklahoma isn’t just a career milestone—it’s a chance to build something special, both on and off the field. With his passion for the game, his work ethic, and his commitment to player development, Nate Dreiling is primed to leave his mark on the Sooners’ football program for years to come.
