Ryan Olson

Biography

Ryan Olson joined the Northwestern coaching staff in January of 2025, and he will continue to primarily work with the Wildcat offensive line in his second season in 2026. In Olson’s first year at Northwestern, the Wildcats averaged 160.2 rushing yards per game (8th in the Big Ten and 65th in the nation), which marked a jump of over 62 yards per game compared to the team's output the season prior to his arrival. Graduate guard and All-Big Ten Honorable Mention Evan Beernsten posted a 79.4 PFF Run Blocking Grade in 2025, which ranked seventh nationally for guards and fourth among Big Ten guards. Graduate center Jackson Carsello’s 78.9 Run Blocking Grade ranked second among Big Ten centers. In 2025, Olson was selected to the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) 35 Under 35, which identifies and develops premier leaders in the coaching profession. Prior to joining the staff at Northwestern, Olson spent five seasons in various roles at South Dakota State. In his five seasons in Brookings the Jackrabbits earned five semifinal trips, three National Championship appearances, and two FCS National Championship Rings. In addition to team accomplishments, Olson also served as position coach for six FCS All Americans and two NFL Draft Picks at Offensive Line and Tight End, As the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at SDSU in the fall of 2024, Olson directed an offense that averaged 36.7 points per game (fourth in FCS) and had a third down conversion rate of 51% (fifth