ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University head football coach Marc Lillibridge announced the hiring of Mike Wells as the program's new defensive line coach, adding a veteran coach and former NFL defensive lineman to the Spartans' staff. 

Wells brings decades of experience as both a player and coach, including time in the National Football League with the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts, as well as multiple stops coaching the defensive line at the high school level in the St. Louis area.

Prior to joining Missouri Baptist, Wells served as the defensive line coach at Parkway North High School. He also coached at MICDS, Parkway South High School, Chaminade College Prep, and Lindbergh Senior High School, among other programs.

As a player, Wells began his football career at Fox High School in Arnold, Missouri, before continuing at the University of Iowa, where he played defensive line. He later advanced to the professional level, spending time with the Minnesota Vikings before continuing his NFL career with Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis.

Wells earned his B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Iowa.