Cole Westenbarger enters his first season on Head Coach Zac Bruney's staff in 2026, serving as an Offensive Graduate Assistant while working primarily with the Cardinals' tight ends.
Westenbarger joins Wheeling after spending the 2025 season as a Defensive Backs Student Assistant at Ohio University. During his time with the Bobcats, he assisted with opponent film breakdown, scouting reports, offensive scout team preparation, and game-day operations, including signaling responsibilities. While at Ohio, he was part of four championship-winning teams, including the 2025 Frisco Bowl, 2024 MAC Championship and Cure Bowl, 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl, and 2022 Arizona Bowl championship teams.
Prior to his time in Athens, Westenbarger served as the Running Backs Coach at his alma mater, Logan Elm High School in Circleville, Ohio, during the 2022 season.
Westenbarger earned his bachelor's degree in Sport Coaching and Physical Activity, with a minor in Sport Management, from Ohio University in December 2024. He is also on track to earn a Master of Coaching Education from Ohio University in December 2026 while simultaneously pursuing a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership at Wheeling University.
