Paul Hansen enters his second season (2026-27) as the head coach of the Southwest Baptist University football program, bringing 20 years of coaching experience to the Bearcats.
During his first season at SBU, Hansen quickly established the foundation for the future of Bearcat football, leading the program to three First Team All-GLVC selections, two Second Team All-GLVC honorees, five Honorable Mention All-Conference selections and an All-American. Under his leadership, the Bearcats averaged 28.8 points and 407 total yards of offense per game, including 286.3 passing yards per contest. SBU finished the season with more than 4,000 total offensive yards, 40 offensive touchdowns and a 3-7 overall record while continuing to build momentum for the future of the program.
Hansen joined Southwest Baptist after leading MidAmerica Nazarene University for five seasons, where he began his collegiate head coaching career. It did not take him long to make a name for himself, as he led the Pioneers to three consecutive winning seasons and back-to-back Heart South Conference championships. Hansen also guided MNU back to the NAIA playoffs for the first time since 2014 and helped the Pioneers climb as high as No. 7 in the national rankings. He was named the Heart South Conference Coach of the Year in 2023 and the NAIA Region Coach of the Year in 2024.
During his time at MNU, Hansen coached numerous All-Americans and Players of the Year. One of the program’s most notable accomplishments came in 2023 when defensive back Anthony Sao signed with the Atlanta Falcons, becoming the first NFL signee in school history. In five seasons, Hansen coached four Freshmen of the Year, four All-Americans, one Conference Player of the Year, two Offensive Players of the Year and 77 All-Conference selections.
Hansen developed some of the nation’s most productive offenses while at MNU. During his final season with the Pioneers, his offense averaged 50 points and 511 yards per game, ranking third nationally. In 2021, MNU set a national single-game passing record when its quarterback threw for 659 yards. Hansen’s offenses consistently ranked among the best in the conference in total offense.
Before becoming the head coach at MNU, Hansen served as the assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at NCAA Division II Western New Mexico University. During his time with the Mustangs, he coached a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard receiver and the 2019 Lone Star Conference Freshman of the Year. His offense also ranked among the top two in the Lone Star Conference in passing.
A Missouri native, Hansen spent his collegiate playing career just 30 minutes south of Bolivar at Evangel University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in physical education. He was a four-year letterman and helped the Valor win two conference championships. Hansen earned Don Hansen Football Gazette Honorable Mention All-American recognition as a wide receiver during his final season.
Hansen’s leadership of the Bearcat football program extends beyond the field through his intentional commitment to impacting the lives of his student-athletes. While winning remains an important part of the program, Hansen also emphasizes teaching his players how to serve others. He has been involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes throughout his coaching career. The program’s four pillars—Faith, Family, Future and Football—represent the values Hansen strives to instill in every student-athlete who enters the program.
Hansen resides in Bolivar with his wife, Joanna, and their children, Bria, Londyn and Skylar.
