Ryan Cortez

Biography

UW-Whitewater football has been a part of my life since I first stepped foot on campus in 2009. I played linebacker for the Warhawks from 2009-2013, winning three national championships as a player and earning all-conference honors on three occasions. After my playing days were over, I knew I wanted to get into coaching at UW-Whitewater. I've been fortunate to serve in a multitude of roles since I joined the coaching staff in 2014. I started out as a graduate assistant coaching the linebackers and tight ends. In 2017, I moved back to the defensive side of the ball and have been coaching the defensive line ever since. I've also been the defensive coordinator since 2021. Football has always been a big part of my life, but even more than that, I love UW-Whitewater — the campus, the community, and the people. I've been a Warhawk my entire adult life, and I can't imagine being anywhere else.