Nike Football Skills Development Camp Arizona Christian University

Prior to his arrival at ACU, Coach Nelson was the Tight End/Quality Control Coach at the University of Illinois. He also coached at Lindenwood University as the Offensive Line Assistant Coach.

As an athlete, the quarterback concluded his playing career at the University of Louisville under Coach Bobby Petrino. He spent two seasons at Southwestern College (CA) passing for almost 4,500 yards and 34 touchdowns for Coach Ed Carberry. Nelson played high school football at St. Francis (CA) for Coach Jimmy Bonds.

In 2014, Coach Nelson graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in psychology.

Coach Nelson and his wife, Kaye, have four children- Robert, Evelyn, Trinity, and Ryan- and reside in Glendale, AZ.

A third conference championship and a trip to the NAIA FCS capped off the 2022 season for the Firestorm. ACU finished the season with a record of 8-3 and 7-2 in their final season in the SAC. New team records established include points scored (438), rushing attempts (419), total tackles (807) and tackles for loss (87) while tying the season sack and interception marks. ACU had one NAIA All-American and 18 players recognized by the SAC.

The 2021 Firestorm finished the season with an 8-2 overall record and 7-2 record in SAC play. ACU Football established new program season bests in several categories including scoring average (43.7), touchdowns (61), and total offense per game (498.9). Two All-Americans, one SAC Football Athlete of the Year, and 20 All-SAC players highlighted the season accolades.

Historic is the best way to describe the 2020 season. In a season that started in the fall and carried over into the spring for the first time ever, Arizona Christian advanced to their first ever NAIA Champion Series game. Their 9-2 record at the end of the season was highlighted by a 6-0 record in conference play to win a SAC championship. The nine wins and the two losses were both program bests. Bowen was named the AFCA NAIA Region 5 and Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Four NAIA All-Americans and four SAC Players of the Year were accompanied by 22 All-SAC players.

In 2019, ACU went 6-4 overall and 6-2 in SAC play. The Firestorm set a new program record with 15 interceptions led by SAC Freshman of the Year Riley Tucker with a program season best six picks. Their 24 sacks equate to second all-time on the ACU season lists topped by seven from First Team NAIA All-American Jaron Green.

The 2018 season saw the Firestorm produce an 8-3 record with the eight wins establishing an Arizona Christian single season record. The Firestorm went 6-3 in their first year as a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference. ACU began the year 5-0 for the first time in their history.

Under the guidance of Coach Bowen his first two seasons, ACU went 14-6 overall and 11-3 in CSFL play including 6-0 in 2016. The first two Bowen years were highlighted by one CSFL championship, two First Team NAIA All-American selections (Punter Derek Brush) and the honors of one CSFL Coach of the Year, four CSFL Players of the Year, 41 All-CSFL players, 16 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, and 72 players on the CSFL All-Academic Team.

Beginning in 2014, Coach Bowen served as the Associate Head Coach and Run Game Coordinator for the first two years of ACU Football.

Including his Arizona Christian football days, Coach Bowen has been coaching football in the state of Arizona for 36 years.

Prior to coming to ACU, Bowen served as the head football coach at Westview High School for 11 years with a career head coaching record of 109-62. Bowen led the Knights to the state finals in back to back years (2007-08) and section champions three years in a row (2011-13).

Along with coaching football, Coach Bowen has also coached track. Combining honors for both sports, Bowen has been named a high school coach of the year ten times. He spent nine years on the Arizona Football Coaches Association Executive Board.

Educationally, Coach Bowen earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Arizona State University in 1987. He earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Jeff and his wife, Heather, attend Redeemed International Church. The Bowens have three children- son Brennan (ACU football alum, wife- Kristen) and daughters Morgan (Husband- Jeremiah Watson) and Hannah (ACU beach volleyball/dance team alum). Coach Bowen enjoys his six grandchildren.

He originally comes from Hackensack, NJ, and attended the University of Maine where he received All-American honors as a defensive end and All-Academic honors.

Coach Will embodies the brotherhood at ACU, and enjoys the family atmosphere that the University has to offer. Coach Will and his wife, Becky, have three children Denzel, Lexi, and Jaden.