Bio

I am a coach because of the student-athletes and the passion I have for the sport itself. There is no other feeling quite like helping athletes further develop their natural persistence, determination, discipline, dedication, resiliency, work ethic, heart, leadership skills, connection with, and respect for, others, not only in competition, but in life!

Jason Wagner enters his fourteenth season as the offensive line coach for UW-Platteville. He is originally from nearby Lancaster, Wis., where he went on to start at WIAC rival, UW-Stevens Point. While playing for the Pointers, they reached the NCAA playoffs, twice in 1999 and 2001.

In the 2019 season, the offensive line shielded UW-Platteville's way to leading the conference in pass efficiency completing 227-of-377 attempts. Leading running back, Wyatt Thompson averaged 11.15 yards per carry while the Pioneers finished second in first downs in the WIAC with 132 passing and 73 rushing. Leading that attack was All Conference Performer’s Hank Westemeyer, Carter Brehm and Brett Burant.

The 2018 season Wagner was able to develop two all-conference performers in Hank Westemeyer and Nick Broadhurst.

2017 season was Wagner’s 11th season at UW Platteville. He coached the offensive line and mentored all-conference performer Donnie Rydzewski.

In 2016, Pioneers' offensive linemen Brett Jerdee and Ryan Gaul earned all-WIAC honors. The Pioneer offense had its most productive seasons in school history with 5,278 yards of total offense and 270 first downs for its highest efforst since the 2015 campaign. In addition, the offense registered 451 points, most since 2015.

Wagner guided two of his linemen to 2015 all-WIAC recognition, including first team selection Brett Jerdee and Donnie Rydzewski honorable mention. Once again the offensive line contributed to help this explosive offense put up huge numbers with scoring, first downs and number of points per game scored.

In 2014 Wagner’s offensive line paved the way for Andy Puccini as he broke UW-Platteville’s rushing record of 1,252 yard. The offensive line didn’t go unnoticed, as three of Wagner’s Linemen gained All-WIAC honors, with Jayson Eddy once again receiving first team all-conference and all-American selections. Not only was the 2014 offensive line able to pave the way for Puccini, but they were also able to keep opposing defenses off of second team all-conference quarterback Bryce Corrigan. In 2014, UW-Platteville gave up the least amount of sacks in the WIAC.

Wagner guided four of his linemen to 2013 all-WIAC recognition, including first team and all-region selection Jayson Eddy. The Pioneers went through the first five games of the year without allowing a sack, ending the year with 14 sacks allowed and led the WIAC with 3.42 tackles for a loss allowed.

Wagner's linemen played a big part in the Pioneers offensive success by keeping the quarterback on his feet and only allowed five sacks in 434 passing attempts in 2012. The Pioneers' 0.50 sack per game ranked them third in the nation. Tyler Miller earned first-team all-WIAC while Brian Lurquin garnered second-team honors.

In 2011, Pioneers' offensive linemen Adam Cook and Colton Friemuth earned first team all-WIAC honors. The Pioneer offense had one of its most productive seasons in school history with 3,529 yards of total offense and 196 first downs for its highest efforst since the 2007 campaign. In addition, the offense registered 255 points for its most since 1990.

In addition to his football coaching duties, Wagner oversees the Pioneer strength and conditioning efforts. He is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Before coming to UW-Platteville, Wager coached at Aurora University (2004-2007), Coe College (2004), and UW-Stevens Point (2001-2003). At all three stops, Wagner served as the Offensive Line coach and Strength and Conditioning Coordinator.

He earned his bachelor's degree from UW-Stevens Point in health promotions/wellness and his master's degree from California University of Pennsylvania in California, Pa.

Wagner is big into giving back to the surrounding communities. He is a Captain on the Lancaster Fire Department in which he volunteers for.

Wagner and his wife, Jen, have two children, Gabe and Gracie.