Bantell, with extensive coaching experience at various universities, has been named the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator for Wilkes University's football team. This marks his return for a second stint, having previously served as the Defensive Backs coach, Defensive Pass Game Coordinator, and Special Teams Coordinator from 2012 to 2014. Head Coach David Biever expressed confidence in Bantell's leadership and coaching abilities, citing his success in developing All-Conference and All-American players at previous institutions. Bantell takes over a strong Wilkes defense, which ranked well in several categories in its first year in the Landmark Conference.

By the Numbers
  • Bantell coached seven All-Conference players during his previous stint at Wilkes, including one linebacker and two defensive backs who earned First and Second Team honors.
  • At King's College, Bantell's defenses ranked 4th in passing and 7th in total defense in 2023, while he developed two All-American defensive backs in 2022 and 2023.
  • He oversaw 46 players who earned 3.0 grade point averages or better in 2021 as the Academic Coordinator at King's College.
  • During his time at Kutztown University, the defensive unit was top 10 in Division II in interceptions, turnovers, and turnover margin.
State of Play
  • Bantell takes over a Wilkes defense that ranked second in points allowed (25.3 points per game), second in total yards (344.5 yards per game), second in rushing defense (128.1 yards per game), and had the third most sacks in the league (23).