Norwich University has named Keith Emery its new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, a move that signals a fresh infusion of experience into the Norse football program for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
A Coach With Deep Roots
Emery arrives with more than 30 years of coaching across collegiate and high school levels. His career includes a 13‑year stint as head coach at Western New England University, where he guided the team to multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.
Most recently, he served as head coach at Charlotte Catholic High School, leading the program to back‑to‑back third‑round finishes in the North Carolina state playoffs and capturing the Southwest 4A Championship in 2024. Prior to that, Emery held coaching positions at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Presbyterian College, where he honed his defensive schemes and player development techniques.
Beyond the Sideline
Emery’s influence extends beyond day‑to‑day practice. He has served on the NCAA Football Playing Rules Committee and the AFCA Division III Council, contributing to the broader conversation about the sport’s evolution. Academically, he holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies from Dickinson College and a master’s in physical education from Springfield College.
Looking Ahead
The Norse will open the 2026 season on September 4 at home against St. Lawrence University. With Emery’s defensive expertise, the coaching staff hopes to tighten up a unit that has shown flashes of promise in recent years, aiming to contend for conference honors from the outset.