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University of Nebraska - Kearney Athletics

Levi Gallas

Levi Gallas

Levi Gallas joined the Nebraska-Kearney football program in the winter of 2017 and has served as the defensive line coach since his arrival. 

Also working with the Loper special teams, Gallas was promoted to defensive coordinator in the winter of 2021. He replaced Scott Lewis who returned to his alma mater, FCS-member St. Francis (Pa.).

"It is important that we continue what we started here defensively four years ago. Good programs promote within when it comes to hiring coordinators," former UNK head coach Josh Lynn said. "Levi understands the overall vision of our football team and the way that we want to operate our defensive unit. He is ready and is a great role model and example for the young men we have in our program."

In his new role Gallas continues to lead the d-line. 

"I'm thankful and grateful for the opportunity that Coach Lynn is giving me. What we are doing here at the University of Nebraska Kearney is special, and I plan on helping this program to continue to RISE," Gallas said. "Change always creates energy, and it will be my job to put that energy to use. My family and I love Kearney and we are excited to continue supporting the town, UNK, and Loper Athletics."

The Loper defense allowed just 18.7 points and 360.1 yards per game in 2021. Holding seven opponents under 19 points, UNK ranked third in the MIAA in scoring defense and was first in pass efficiency defense (106.5 rating). The Blue & Gold allowed foes to complete only 54% of its passes, the second best total in the league, while recording 10 interceptions and having 52 pass breakups. Individually, strong safety Darius Swanson repeated as an All-American with seven other defensive starters earning All-MIAA recognition. Finally, he got the chance to work alongside his father, Dan, who stepped in early in the fall to coach the outside linebackers. 

Led by All-MIAA ends Hinwa Allieu and Tye Spies, UNK's defense was among the league leaders in total defense (368 yards per game) and rushing defense (124 ypg) in 2017. The Lopers held three opponents under 14 points, including two-time defending national champ Northwest Missouri, while amassing 63 TFL's and forcing 15 turnovers. On special teams first-year starter Grant Buschkoetter landed 19% of his punts inside the 20-yard with another 10 being fair caught.

35633The Loper "D" continued to be tough on the opposition in 2018, allowing 22 points and 328 yards a weeek. Earning its first shut out as an MIAA member (45-0 vs. Missouri Southern), UNK held three other teams under 20 points and four under 300 yards. The Lopers were also among the league leaders in most defensive categories for a second straight fall. 

Having one of the better d-lines in the conference, ends Allieu, Spies and nose guard Jordan Ingraham were named All-MIAA. Junior punter/kickoff specialist Kendall Raschein also garnered all-accolades after a solid first season with back Darrius Webb returning a kickoff 98 yards vs. MIAA Champion Fort Hays. It marked UNK's first kick return for a score in 12 years. 

Allieu signed on with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons after a 2019 season in which the Loper defense ranked second in the MIAA in rushing (125.1 ypg). UNK went 7-5 and won the Mineral Water Bowl, the program's fourth postseason victory. The Lopers held three foes under 20 points including Northwest Missouri. Kearney beat the Bearcats, 24-17, that day to help extend a win streak to three straight games. Ingraham joined Allieu and on the all-conference team with Allieu being a first-team pick.

The 2020 season was canceled by the on-going COVID pandemic but UNK was one of a handful of D2 schools to play countable games in the fall. The Lopers won at Pittsburg State, 31-26, for the first time in 37 years while beating in-state rival Chadron State, 45-35, at home. A young defense totaled 13 pass break ups, five sacks and forced a fumble. 

A Colorado native, Gallas spent five seasons at Eastern New Mexico where he worked with the Greyhound special teams, defensive backs and defensive linemen. Levi Gallas

During these seasons ENMU won 20 games and had 10 defensive or special teams player named All-Lone Star Conference. The ‘Hounds led the LSC in rush defense in 2014 and 2016 and had the second most interceptions in 2015. Gallas also help coordinate the team’s in-season and off-season workouts in the weight room.

He began at ENMU as a graduate assistant in the summer of 2012. During the 2012 and 2013 seasons, he was the secondary coach, assisted with special teams and was the defensive pass coordinator. The ‘Hounds won 11 games over these two seasons with the rush defense ranked tops in the LSC in 2013. A year earlier, ENMU had the second most INT’s in the conference. Gallas had four of his DB’s earn all-league honors during these seasons.

Prior to his time in Portales, he spent the 2011-12 academic year at Ponderosa High School in Parker, Colo. He was the Mustangs defensive and special team coordinator and defensive backs coach. He coached three all-state selections that fall, including Army All-American linemen and Michigan Wolverine Chris Fox.

A Special Education and Physical Education teacher, Gallas also worked with the PHS pole vaulters and was the Head Strength and Speed Coordinator for the football and track teams. For the 2010-11 season, Gallas was head wrestling coach and assistant football coach at Littleton High School in suburban Denver. Serving as head junior varsity football coach, he helped revive the LHS wrestling program that had been dormant for 24 years.

Holding a Master’s in Health & Physical Education from ENMU and a B.S. in Exercise Science and Sports Administration from Adams State, he was assistant wrestling coach at both Arapahoe (Littleton, Colo.) and Sargent (Monte Vista, Colo.) High Schools.

A three-sport (football, track and wrestling) letterwinner at Chaparral High School, Gallas was Colorado’s 2004 state champion in the pole vault. He went to compete in football and track at RMAC-member Adams State. For the ASU Grizzlies, Gallas was an all-conference selection in both football and track. A linebacker on the football field, he was a two-time team captain and the Grizzlies MVP in 2009.

He and his wife, Haley, live in Kearney with their children, Paxton and Oakley.