Wheaton, Ill. – Wheaton head football coach Jesse Scott has announced the promotion of Wyatt Lee as offensive coordinator for the Thunder football program. The upcoming  2026 season will be Lee's fifth as a Thunder assistant coach after graduating from Wheaton in the spring of 2022. Lee was promoted to a full-time defensive coaching position following the 2023 campaign and served as the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach for two seasons.

Scott notes the appointment of Lee, "People may scratch their heads when they hear a special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach to become our offensive coordinator." He continues, "In making this move the primary goal for me is to hire somebody who loves Wheaton football with a deep and abiding passion, is loyal to it, and committed to the program. I want someone that has the know-how and want-to to contribute to the next phase of the evolution of our offense." Scott concludes, "Wyatt's experience in trying to stop offenses, both as a player and assistant coach, gives him a unique viewpoint in developing our offense."

Lee played two years of football at Wheaton College as a linebacker after transferring from Lawrence University. As a senior, he served as a team captain in 2021, helping steer a Wheaton defense that led Division III in sacks and was second in rushing defense. Lee earned D3football.com All Region honors at linebacker as a senior. At the conclusion of the 2021 season, Lee received the program's James Parmalee "Most Respected Player Award". A two-time All-CCIW selection in his two seasons with the Thunder, Lee recorded 107 total tackles, with 24 tackles for loss, including 11 quarterback sacks.

Lee replaces James Houck who spent nine years as a member of the Thunder coaching staff. Houck served as the wide receivers coach for the Thunder before being promoted to the role of offensive coordinator following the 2023 campaign. Scott notes of Houck's work with the Thunder football program, "I am very grateful for James' nine years serving in the Wheaton football program. He has seen and been a part of a lot during that time, and has been a steady presence as a coach."