Bill Russell

"The Norwich experience is unlike almost any other experience available in higher education. We are, essentially, a one-of-a-kind university and that leads to a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our students."

Coach Russell seeks determined individuals who can balance high-level college football with a top-tier education. Whether you're part of the Corps of Cadets, ROTC, planning a U.S. military career, or aiming to be a leader in the civilian workforce, it's all about ambition here.

If you want to truly have the opportunity to do it all, then this is the football program for you. With an unwavering passion for guiding players to realize their dreams, Coach Russell is constantly seeking future high achievers ready to take on the next challenge. His profound understanding of the distinctive culture of Norwich University, along with his deep connections with the alumni, helps to weave past, present, and future Cadets into a cohesive community.

A Legacy of Excellence, Award-winning Recruits

Considered one of the top recruiters in New England, Coach Russell has recruited and coached multiple award-winning players at Norwich University.

Individual Athlete Highlights

• Shayne Leddy '25: First-ever Division III player to receive the Charlotte Touchdown Club’s Defender of the Nation Award, the highest honor given to a defensive player from a U.S. military academy, senior military college, or ROTC program in all of college football
• Trevor Chase '23: 2019 NEWMAC Rookie of the Year and first Cadet to earn NEWMAC Offensive Player of the Year (2022)
• Drew Banuskevich '14: Named to the Capital One / CoSIDA Academic All-American
• Long Ding '12: Third-team d3football.com All-American and first Chinese-born individual to sign a contract with an NFL team

Q&A with Head Coach Russell

What do you like most about coaching at Norwich?

Norwich changes young people’s lives in a way which I feel is unique to this institution. Driven, gritty, resilient individuals choose Norwich and being around them keeps me energized and motivated to be the best version of myself.

Why is Norwich a great place for student-athletes and how does it benefit the student-athlete?

The Norwich experience is unlike almost any other experience available in higher education. We are, essentially, a one-of-a-kind university and that leads to a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our students. Norwich also has an extremely passionate, devoted, and significant alumni network eager to help other Norwich men and women.  

Why do you coach?

The opportunity to build lifelong relationships and mentor young people the way my own coaches mentored me.

What do you like most about football?

I am addicted to competition. I love watching our athletes compete.

What do you enjoy about working with student-athletes?

I love the process of meeting recruits, sharing my vision with them, mentoring them through the important development years they spend in college, and watching them achieve their goals.

What is your coaching philosophy?

My coaching philosophy is, and has always been, to be the leader I would follow. Coaching is, and always will be, about the players. I take great pride in holding them accountable to their goals.

What is Norwich’s approach to athletics?

Norwich is about developing grit and resilience. You can do anything you want here if you’re willing to set aside excuses and put in terrific effort.

If you are interested in conquering challenges, discovering how far your talent can go, and longing to be a part of something bigger than yourself – you’re the type of person he is looking for. In short, be bold and join us.