Valpo Football Announces Additions to Coaching Staff
The Valparaiso University football program and head coach Andy Waddle have announced a quartet of additions to the coaching staff. Former National Football League cornerback Michael Joseph has been named the team’s Defensive Backs Coach, while Connor Vierstra has joined the staff and will serve as a position coach on the offensive side of the ball. In addition, David Busch has joined the staff handling Quality Control for the defensive line and Marcellus Maddox will handle quality control on the offensive side of the ball.
A native of nearby Oswego, Ill., Joseph played at Division-III University of Dubuque, where he was an all-conference selection in each of his final three seasons. After winning the Cliff Harris Award as the best small-college defender, Joseph was the lone D-III player at the 2018 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.
Joseph went on to spend five years in the National Football League as a member of the Chicago Bears from 2018-2022 before he spent 2023 and 2024 as a member of the United Football League’s DC Defenders.
“Mike has been outstanding in the short time that I’ve worked with him so far,” Waddle said. “He comes in with a great skill set as a player. The background that he has, playing nonscholarship Division-III football and making it to the NFL, gives him a really unique perspective that he can share with our players. He has the experience of being at the highest level and is a really bright football mind. He’s going to be a great coach.
Joseph signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent in the 2018 NFL Draft. He eventually played in his first NFL game on Dec. 20, 2021 against the Minnesota Vikings. He started all nine games for the Defenders in 2023, grabbing four interceptions to go along with 40 total tackles. He was named to the 2023 All-XFL Team.
“Joining the Valparaiso University football staff is an exciting opportunity to be part of a program committed to excellence, teamwork and the development of young athletes,” Joseph said. “I am honored to contribute to the growth of the team and help shape the future of our student-athletes both on and off the field.”
Vierstra played for Waddle and Valpo offensive coordinator Reed Florence at Marietta College, where he finished his career as the program’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns, passing yards, completions and pass attempts. He was a first-team all-conference selection in 2024 and earned the Bob Packard Offensive Back of the Year Award. He also garnered third team all-region status and was named the winner of the Wynn Kenyon Award, which is presented to a leader, competitor, teammate and friend.
“I’m excited to join the Valpo football staff because it’s a chance to work alongside passionate coaches, contribute to a strong program and help shape the future of the team and young men,” Vierstra said.
Vierstra graduated from Marietta in December 2024 as a sport management and marketing double major. He worked in event/facility management at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio during the summer of 2023 and gained experience in event/faculty management at the Boca Raton Bowl Game in Boca Raton, Fla. in December 2023.
“Connor was a four-year starter for us at Marietta,” Waddle said. “He has great knowledge of our offensive system and what we want to do. He’s one of the toughest players I’ve ever coached, and I know it’s unique to say that about a quarterback. It wouldn’t matter what came his way, he kept standing back up and continuing to fight. He’ll be a good communicator for Reed because he knows what he wants and expects.”
Busch was a five-year starter on the Marietta offensive line from 2020 to 2024. He played in all 45 games and made 41 starts on his way to becoming a four-time all-conference honoree. He was tabbed a first team Division-III All-Region choice and a Division-III All-American.
“I’m excited to start my coaching career at Valpo with Coach Waddle and his staff,” Busch said. “Having played under Coach Waddle for five years, I’ve seen how his leadership shapes individuals on and off the field. His FIGHT motto has greatly impacted me and all of the team’s he’s coached.”
Busch has gained wide-ranging experience in the athletics industry including serving as an usher for the Cleveland Guardians, job shadowing at the University of Michigan athletics events, interning for the Great Cleveland Sports Commission and volunteering at the Boca Raton Bowl. Busch graduated from Marietta in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sport management and a minor in coaching.
“David played for me at Marietta and is a really good young man,” Waddle said. “He’s going to be a good coach and has embraced the opportunity to change positions, working with RJ (Ghilarducci) on the defensive line. I’m excited to work with him here at Valpo.”
Maddox was the offensive line coach at Michigan City High School for the 2024 season.
“I’m really looking forward to developing under the amazing staff that Coach Waddle has put together. I’m very excited to establish relationships not only within the staff, but with players as well.”
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