STATESBORO - Aaron Schwanz, who has experience working with defensive units at multiple Power 5 schools, has been hired as the linebackers coach for the Georgia Southern Eagles, as announced Wednesday by head coach Clay Helton. He comes to Statesboro after stops at Washington, LSU and Wisconsin, among others.

"We are delighted to introduce Aaron Schwanz as our new Linebackers Coach," Helton said. "Aaron brings an elite coaching resume having spent time in the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac 12 Conferences. He has had the opportunity to learn and be trained by Dave Aranda at both Wisconsin and LSU and brings an intimate knowledge of that system. Aaron knows how to win championships, having been a part of the 2019 national championship run at LSU. Having served in the Power 5 at multiple stops, he knows how to recruit at the highest level. We are excited to welcome Aaron to Statesboro and look forward to great things from our linebacker position."

Schwanz spent the previous four seasons as a defensive analyst, first at LSU from 2018-2020 under now Baylor head coach Dave Aranda, and then at Washington last season.

"I am honored to join the Georgia Southern Football Family," Schwanz said. "The high-character leaders on the coaching staff, championship community and the chance to work with elite student-athletes are what makes this opportunity special. I can't wait to get started!"

In 2021, he was a defensive analyst for the Huskies' stingy defense, one that ranked nationally in numerous categories. While working with the outside linebackers, Schwanz helped Washington rank first in the FBS in the fewest passing yards allowed (1,720), gave up a nation-low six touchdown passes and posted the third-best pass efficiency defense in the country. 

At LSU, he served as a defensive analyst for the Tigers during an impressive three-year stretch that included the national championship in 2019.

A graduate of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 2009, Schwanz began his coaching career after his playing days. He then moved that to jobs at both Midwestern State and UTEP, before earning a spot on Wisconsin's staff as a graduate assistant coaching outside linebackers in 2013 under Aranda. That year, the Badgers ranked top 10 nationally in defense, scoring defense and rushing defense.

After one year, Schwanz went to Southeastern Louisiana, where he spent four seasons as the linebackers and special teams coordinator. Schwanz guided many talented players for the Lions, including Herbert Harris, who earned Second-Team All-Southland Conference honors in 2015. Schwanz also helped guide a conference championship defense in his first year in 2014.

Prior to the 2016 season, Schwanz added the title of special teams coordinator. That season, Schwanz led a talented linebacker group. Junior SioneTeuhema earned Second-Team All-Southland Conference honors and was joined on the all-conference squad by senior Tre' Bennett. Bennett was also a strong performer in the classroom, earning Southland All-Academic honors. In their first year under Schwanz's direction, the Southeastern special teams units were significantly improved. The Lions led the Southland Conference and ranked among the national leaders with five blocked kicks (7th in FCS) and 18.08 yards allowed per kickoff return (20th in FCS).

The 2015 linebacker corps was successful under Schwanz's direction. Senior linebacker Herbert Harris was named Second-Team All-Southland Conference after leading the team in tackles, while Bennett was named to the All-Southland Conference team as an honorable mention selection.

In 2014, Schwanz's linebackers were key to the Southland Conference champion Lion defense leading the league in scoring and total defense. Schwanz coached Sports Network and Associated Press All-American Isiah Corbett, who led SLU with 12.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and four interceptions. Corbett also earned All-Louisiana and All-Southland Conference honors, as was fellow senior linebacker Drew Misita.

Schwanz spent the 2013 season at Wisconsin, where he was a graduate assistant working with the Badgers' outside linebackers. Schwanz contributed to a defense that ranked top 10 nationally in total defense (7th), scoring defense (6th) and rushing defense (5th).

Before his time at Wisconsin, Schwanz was a graduate assistant at Texas-El Paso, where he oversaw the wide receivers. During his time with the Miners, he coached a pair of All-Conference USA receivers in Jordan Leslie and Mike Edwards.

Schwanz also coached linebackers as a graduate assistant at Midwestern State for multiple seasons before moving to UTEP. He coached several All-Lone Star Conference selections during his time in Wichita Falls. In 2011, he was part of a staff that led Midwestern State to a 10-0 regular season and the Lone Star Conference championship.

Schwanz started his coaching career at his alma mater Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he coached the secondary. Schwanz earned his degree in special education from UW-Oshkosh in 2009, where he was a four-year letter winner and played in 21 games at safety. He earned a Master's degree in sport administration from Midwestern State in 2016.

He and his wife, Morgan, have three children: Ace, Rosalee and Daisy.