Western Michigan University Athletics

David Denham joined the Western Michigan staff on March 4, 2020, and was named the assistant coach for WMU's defensive line by head coach Lance Taylor. He was also named Recruiting Coordinator in 2024. 

Denham helped coach the Broncos to one of the top pass rushes in the Mid-American Conference in 2022. WMU recorded 31 sacks on the season and saw two defensive linemen earn All-MAC honors in Second Team selections Braden Fiske and Andre Carter. 

Denham's work with the interior line helped produce NFL draft pick Braden Fiske, and contributed to the development of second round draft pick Marshawn Kneeland in 2024. In the 2023 season, Dunham's defensive line made 14 of the team's 25 sacks and saw the emergence of defensive end Corey Wakler and interior lineman Mason Nelson. Dunham's work also helped junior college transfers Isaiah Green and Marcel Tyler make immediate impacts, with the two combing for two sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss. 

Denham's two postilion groups included three All-MAC honorees in 2020. Ralph Holley earned second team All-MAC honors on the defensive line after the nose guard tied for third in the MAC with 9.0 tackles for loss. All together, the Bronco defensive line led the MAC with 19 sacks on the year. On special teams, D'Wayne Eskridge was named MAC Special Teams Player of the Year and a finalist for the Hornung Award, given to the nation's most versatile player. Eskridge led the nation in all-purpose yards (210.0) and led the MAC in kickoff return yards at 27.5. In addition, punter Nick Michalic was named third team All-MAC.

Denham spent the last two years at UIndy as the defensive line coach and special teams coordinator. During Denham’s time on staff, the program tallied a 19-4 record, including a pair of NCAA Division II playoff appearances. The Greyhounds earned a 38-27 triumph against No. 19 Fort Hays State in 2018 to mark the program’s second postseason victory. 

In 2018, all four of Denham’s starting defensive lineman garnered All-Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) honors. Denham helped the 2019 squad to a final ranking of No. 17 in the AFCA Division II Coaches’ Top 25 poll. This past fall, Denham guided defensive lineman Jacob Schmatz to his third consecutive All-GLVC first team selection while defensive lineman Jacob Jones also earned first team all-league accolades. Schmatz was tabbed the team’s defensive lineman of the year.

Denham’s work with the defensive line helped the team allow just 17.7 points per game in 2019, the best in the GLVC and 21st nationally. The Greyhounds finished second in the conference and 45th in the country in fewest sacks per game (2.55) while pacing the GLVC in yards allowed per game (323.5). 

Denham arrived at UIndy after five seasons at Wabash College, helping the Little Giants to a 47-8 mark and two NCAA Division III playoff bids.

Before Wabash, Denham spent five years coaching in Division II at now-defunct Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind. He wore many hats with the Pumas, including associate head coach, special teams coordinator, video coordinator and defensive line coach. He also mentored three consecutive GLVC Defensive Linemen of the Year, including two-time GLVC Player of the Year Anthony Rouba, and was named the 2011 GLVC Assistant Coach of the Year.

Denham began his coaching career at Division III Rose-Hulman in 2006 as a linebackers coach before taking over defensive line duties in 2007, helping Paul Spreen earn Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive MVP honors. Denham also planned team meals for road games and was responsible for national recruiting.

A native of Indianapolis, Denham served as a graduate assistant at Ball State University from March-July in 2007, where he helped with the breakdown of opposing teams’ video, served as an academic liaison and aided in spring ball with the Cardinals’ linebackers.

As a player, Denham was a standout athlete at Pike High School before moving on to a successful collegiate career. His post-prep journey started as a linebacker at Division II Tiffin University in 2001 before transferring to Ball State in 2003. He was one of nine game-day captains for the Cardinals and earned the 2005 Ray Louthen Senior Participation Award for his contributions to the team on and off the field. He graduated from Ball State in 2006 with a bachelor of science.

Denham and his wife, Rheannan, have three children, Anthony, Addison and Asher.