Western Oregon University Wolves

Kyle Lavender, or "Coach Lav", was hired as the Defensive Backs Coach in 2018.

During his first season with the Defensive Backs, he helped organize a WOU defense that lead the GNAC in Overall Defense (Top 50 Nationally), Scoring Defense (Top 50 Nationally), Run Defense (#13 Nationally), Pass Defense, Defensive Efficiency and Interceptions (Top 25 Nationally). During that season Jr. Corner Derek Parnell received 2nd Team All GNAC Honors and So. Safety Curtis Anderson received 1st Team All GNAC honors. Anderson was also awarded GNAC Defensive Player of the Week honors after he finished with four tackles, two interceptions and had a blocked punt in the Wolves' 54-13 win over Simon Fraser. Anderson had two of the Wolves' seven picks, which tied a GNAC single-game record, and returned his second interception 49 yards for a touchdown. 

Prior to rejoining his alma mater in 2018, Kyle spent 4 seasons ('14-'17) at Division III Lewis & Clark College, in Portland, OR as the Running Backs Coach. During his time there, he helped turn around a sub-par program that had endured 33 straight losses over '13-'17 seasons. In 2017 the Pioneers broke that losing streak with a 40-29 win at Pomona-Pitzer and followed it up with a 24-20 win over rival Willamette University, claiming the Wagon Wheel trophy. The Wagon Wheel had not been in the Pioneer's possession in over 10 seasons. Kyle worked with numerous well-known and respected coaches during his time at Lewis & Clark College, including Jay Locey, Jim Nagel, Isaac Parker and Eric Jackson. 

Coach Lav's first coaching stint at WOU began as a Graduate Assistant from 2012-13 coaching the Tight Ends and Fullbacks. During the '13 season the Wolves' offense led the GNAC in Scoring Offense, Passing Offense, and 4th Down Conversions. Coach Lav helped in all aspects of special teams, broke down game and practice film, oversaw study hall hours, organized walk on tryouts, and organized the annual WOU Football Golf Tournament in the Summer of 2012 all while completing his Masters of Education in Information Technology in 2014. 

As a player at WOU from 2007-11, Kyle was on the offensive side of the ball as a Tight End/Fullback or U-Back. Redshirting his first year, Kyle started the next season as a Redshirt Freshman along with all years following, excluding 2008 after missing the final 7 games due to surgery on his hand. Kyle finished his playing career earning 2nd Team Tight End All GNAC honors his Senior year. Immediately following his last season, Kyle began coaching the very position he played. 

Kyle is from Lake Oswego, Oregon, where he attended Lake Oswego High School, graduating in 2007. He was a two sport athlete in both Football and Basketball. He received All-League and All-State honors for Football during both his Junior and Senior seasons while winning a State Championship in Basketball his Junior year. He is the son of Gary & Diana Lavender and brother of Kelsey Lavender. 

He and his wife Lindsey, also a former Wolf, have one daughter, Murphy and live in Independence with their dog Maximus Decimus Meridius and cat Meeko.