Grizzlies Remove Interim Tag, Officially Name Kyle Woodall as the Head Football Coach

EL DORADO, Kan. – Butler Community College athletic director Mike Helmer announced the hiring of Kyle Woodall as the next Grizzly head football coach on Tuesday afternoon. 

Woodall just completed his 11^th season on the Grizzly coaching staff, and in March of 2025, Woodall was announced as the interim head coach. Now, Woodall is officially the next head man for the Butler Grizzlies, the 25^th in program history. 

"BUCO Nation, I'm humbled and honored to be named your Head Coach," said Woodall. "For the past 11 seasons I have given everything I have to this program and will continue to do so in hopes of upholding a rich tradition of excellence. Butler football will continue to represent self-discipline, toughness, and consistent daily habits that lead to winning both on and off the field. Our staff will work tirelessly to ensure that our players have every opportunity to reach their goals, while also growing them to be future husbands, fathers, and community leaders.  In the words of Coach Braet, "It's all about the players". My goal will always be to make those words ring true through my actions as the leader of this program.  

To the alumni. As a former player I understand first-hand the blood, sweat, and tears that were poured into this place. None of this is possible without your sacrifice and standard that you set. BUCO is special because of you! Our doors are always open, and we will always welcome you HOME.  

To the 2025 BUCO Football team. This doesn't happen without you. I can never repay you for your loyalty, trust, and never-ending effort for our success together this season. Your belief in me over these past 9 months has left me humbled beyond words. This promotion is as much yours as it is mine. My effort now will be to ensure that your belief in me was not in vain and something you can be proud of. I love you more than you will ever know and I will ALWAYS have your back.  

To my Family. No accomplishment will ever be worthy of the sacrifices and love you have given me, but I will continue to strive to make you all proud. I would not be here without you. My love for you is infinite. THANK YOU!

Again, I'm unbelievably humbled by this honor. BUCO Nation, I look forward to moving into the future TOGETHER. 

*Double Clap* Let's work."

 The 2025 football season for the Butler Grizzlies was a successful one. The Grizzlies finished the year 7-3 overall, 4-2 in conference play, with all three losses coming to ranked opponents. The Grizzlies saw 22 student-athletes earn All-Conference honors, headlined by Butler running back Markellus Bass finishing the season as the nation's leading rusher with 1,237 yards on the ground, 123.7 yards per game. Bass rushed for at least 100 yards in eight of the ten games this season. Bass now ranks 11^th all-time in career rushing yards in program history. Linebacker Justyce Betts finished as the Jayhawk Conference leader in total tackles with 96. That number also ranked him third in the country. The Grizzlies finished the season as the number nine ranked team in the final NJCAA poll. 

"We're excited to have Coach Woodall leading the Butler Grizzlies football program and look forward to his leadership, vision, and commitment to excellence both on and off the field" said Grizzly athletic director Mike Helmer. "Coach Woodall did an amazing job in leading this program over the past six months. His energy is not only infectious to his players and staff but to all that he comes in contact with."

Before serving as the interim head coach for the 2025 season, Woodall had served as Butler's defensive coordinator for three seasons, also coaching the linebackers and heading up the Grizzly strength and conditioning program. 

Woodall's defense in 2024 allowed just 14.7 points per game in conference play, second best in the league while the 16.9 points per game allowed in all games ranked seventh best across all of NJCAA Division 1. The Grizzly defense led the league in conference play with nine interceptions while racking up a conference-high 20 sacks. Butler held six opponents under 20 points and three under 10 points. He mentored two defensive All-Americans in linebacker Landon Boss and defensive tackle Seven Cloud in 2024.

The 2023 Grizzly defense held six opponents to 20 or fewer points under Woodall's watch. The Grizzlies recovered 12 fumbles, the most in the conference. The Butler defense shined in a 45-10 win on the road at No. 3 ranked Iowa Central, shutting the Tritons out in the second half and tallying six sacks in the game. Butler shut out eventual NJCAA national champion Iowa Western in the second half of a 28-21 loss. Six of the seven Reiver second half drives ended in punts. Woodall had seven All-KJCCC selections on his defense including an NJCAA All-American in Marlin Dean. Of Woodall's linebacker core, three signed with NCAA Division 1 teams with Udoka Ezeani (Boise State), Eunique Valentine (Missouri State) and Demarcious Robinson (Georgia Southern) all moving on to the next level.

Butler had a strong defensive unit in Woodall's first season as defensive coordinator in 2022. The Grizzlies finished with a conference leading 20 interceptions and held six opponents under 20 points and three to under 10 as they finished 8-4 and claimed the program's 17th all-time bowl victory in a 28-24 win over Kilgore in the Heart of Texas Bowl.

Prior to being named defensive coordinator, Woodall served in various roles within the program since 2015 such as linebackers coach and running backs coach.

Woodall played at Butler from 2006-2007 as a linebacker/defensive back. He helped the Grizzlies to a 23-1 overall record as well as winning the Region 6 and Jayhawk Conference championships both seasons.

In 2007, Woodall was a team captain on Butler's NJCAA National Championship squad that finished with a perfect 12-0 record. During that season, Woodall earned honorable mention All-Jayhawk Conference honors at safety.

Following Butler, Woodall continued his playing career at Sam Houston State University and later Washburn University.

A Salina, Kan., native, Woodall played at Salina Central High School, where he was a two-time All-State safety and was a team captain on the Mustangs' 2005 Class 5A undefeated state championship team.

Woodall began his football coaching career at Gardner-Edgerton High School, where he coached the safeties and linebackers for four seasons before joining the Butler staff.