Since joining the staff in 2005, Coach Braucht has served as the team’s Offensive Coordinator. Before coming to West, Coach Braucht spent time at University High School (Offensive Coordinator), Tri-Valley High School (Head Freshman Coach), Heyworth High School (Offensive Coordinator) and Central Catholic (Head Freshman & JV Coach).  He currently owns and operates Drive Appraisal, LLC as a Certified Real Estate Appraiser.  Kevin and his wife Angie have two daughters: Caroline and Sydney.

Following his graduation from Northwestern State University in Louisiana, Nick moved to the Bloomington / Normal area to work for State Farm in 2006.  Nick joined the West Football staff in 2008 and has held a few different positions with the Freshman (Offensive and Defensive Line coach and Defensive Coordinator) and JV (Defensive Coordinator) of West since joining.  In 2011, Nick is coaching the Varsity and Junior Varsity Running Backs.

Jared was a 2002 graduate of Prairie Central High School where he was a 3 year varsity defensive end and tight end.  After getting his Associates at Heartland, Jared transferred and received his Bachelors degree in Physical Education from Illinois State University with a minor in Coaching.  While in College, Jared played football for the Twin City Storm, a recreational out-door football team.  He was also a part of the Bloomington Extreme Football Team before taking a teaching position with Parkside Junior High where he teaches P.E. and coaches wrestling.  Jared and his wife Hayley reside in Normal with their daughter Piper.

Following his graduation from Illinois State University, Coach Thoennes began his coaching career in 1989 at LeRoy High School. He served as the line coach for their State Championship team in 1996 and defensive coordinator on their runner up team in 2001. In 2003, Thoennes joined the West staff as defensive and offensive line coach. He also served as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2007 & 2008. In addition, Thoennes has been a guest coach focusing on defensive line play at The Midwest Lineman’s Camp at IWU since 2002. He currently teaches Math and Science and Parkside Junior High where he also serves as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Coach. Duane and his wife Kary Beth have two children: Caity and Kyle.

Coach Porter joined the West staff in 2003 and is currently an assistant coach with the Wildcats. A 1992 Graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University where he played defensive back, Coach Porter also served as an assistant coach at Normal Community for 9 years and at Homewood Flossmoor for 2. He currently teaches Social Studies at Chiddix Junior High. Jeff and his wife Julie have three children: Brett, Brooke and Brandon.

Coach “Nupe” joined the Wildcat staff in 2011 as an assistant coach. Prior to joining the Normal West coaching staff, he coached for the Fighting Irish Youth Football team in Bloomington for 6 years, serving as the Offensive Coordinator for the JV and V teams. Coach Nupe is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University, and currently works at State Farm. Brad and his wife Dana have one child, Braydon.

Coach Wright begins his 19th year of coaching and first year in 2011 for the Wildcats. He recently was the Head Coach for Hickman High School in Columbia, MO. Before his head coaching stint, he was the defensive coordinator for Hickman. He has also had stops at Springfield Parkview as a defensive back coach in Springfield, MO, Joplin High School as a defensive line coach in Joplin, Mo, Webb City High School as a outside linebacker coach in Webb City, MO, and Pittsburg State University as running backs coach in Pittsburg, KS.  Coach Wright played collegiately at Missouri Southern State University. He teaches Language Arts at Evans Junior High. He is married to Britny and they have two children: Mason, 14 and Chloe, 11. Coach Wright holds a Masters in Athletic Administration.