NEWBERRY — Newberry College has hired Willie Offord as the Wolves’ defensive line coach, as the scarlet and gray prepare for the 2015 football season. The announcement was made by Todd Knight, head football coach.

Offord had a strong playing career in both the collegiate ranks as well as the professional world before entering the coaching industry. Offord has also previously served as a head football coach at high schools in Florida and South Carolina.

Offord played collegiately at the University of South Carolina from 1998-2001, finishing his career with the Gamecocks with 185 total tackles, 110 of them being solo tackles. In his high school career, he was a two-time Class 5A all-state selection at Palatka (Fla.) High School.

He was drafted in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft with the 70th pick overall by the Minnesota Vikings. In four years playing for Minnesota, Offord made a total of 78 tackles along with two interceptions and a forced fumble.

After his playing career was cut short due to injury, Offord went on to the head coaching positions at Paxon High School in Jacksonville, Fla. (2009), Interlachen (Fla.) High School (2010-11), his alma mater Palatka (Fla.) High School (2012-13) and Columbia High School (2014).

This release was provided by Newberry College.