Bill Russell enters his second season as the head coach of the Norwich University football program in 2025.
Russell was named the 32nd head football coach in program history on November 30, 2023. Before his promotion, he spent 16 seasons on the Cadet sideline, including 10 years as Associate Head Coach. He also served as the team’s Special Teams Coordinator and Inside Linebackers Coach, establishing a reputation as one of the most trusted and enduring leaders within the program.
“Bill Russell is the ideal fit as our next head football coach,” said Director of Athletics Ed Hockenbury. “He innately understands the Norwich University culture, has been a tremendous recruiter for the football program, has significant ties to our alumni, and has a plan for the future. Bill has been an asset for our entire campus and is a strong believer in the Norwich mission. He is uniquely positioned to help move the football program forward.”
Russell began his Norwich tenure in 2008 after starting his coaching career at his alma mater, Mount Ida College. He graduated in 2005 with a degree in Child Development and was a team captain his senior year.
During the 2024 campaign, Russell guided a young Cadet team through a challenging schedule while coaching four players to NEWMAC All-Conference honors. Linebacker Shayne Leddy ’24 earned All-NEWMAC First Team recognition and became the first Division III winner of the prestigious Defender of the Nation Award. Leddy led the conference in solo tackles (61) and tackles for loss (13.5), while ranking third in total tackles (93). He was also named to the D3football.com Team of the Week twice and was a NEWMAC Defensive Athlete of the Week following standout performances against Coast Guard and Salve Regina.
Joining Leddy on the All-Conference list were defensive standouts Jeremy Henault and Maddox Reed, along with offensive lineman Rasheed Patterson. Henault recorded 54 total tackles and ranked among the conference leaders in interceptions, while Reed finished fourth in the NEWMAC in sacks, including a three-sack outing against SUNY Maritime.
Under Russell’s leadership, Norwich has consistently produced some of the best special teams units in Division III. In 2010, the Cadets ranked first in the nation in kickoff return defense, allowing just 11.91 yards per return. The unit ranked sixth in 2012 (14.20 yds/return), and in 2013 led the country in fewest blocked punts allowed. In 2014, Norwich ranked sixth nationally in blocked kicks and 13th in kick return defense. Wesley Medeiros ’17 was a top-25 national kicker under Russell’s guidance, while the Cadets remained among the top 25 in multiple special teams categories through 2018.
In 2011, placekicker Long Ding ’12 became the first Chinese-born individual to sign an NFL contract, earning a preseason deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars after being named a d3football.com All-American. In 2012, punter Drew Banuskevich ’14 was named a Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American and earned all-league honors. In 2019, Manni Romero ’21 ranked 17th in Division III in punt return average (12.0 yards).
Outside of game-day responsibilities, Russell is a respected contributor to coaching education and development. He was published in the March 2013 edition of American Football Monthly and continues to serve as a monthly blogger for their website. He is also a member of the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III Assistant Coaches National Committee.
A native of Kennebunk, Maine, Russell resides in Northfield with his wife, Deanna, and their three children: Hudson, Lydia, and Darby. He enjoys fishing and cheering on the Boston Red Sox in his spare time.
