Collins II Accepts Assistant Football, Strength and Conditioning Coaching Position at Wesleyan (Conn.)

6/2/2026 2:00:00 PM

LEXINGTON, Va. -Washington and Lee Michael F. Walsh Director of Athletics Jan Hathorn announced that Assistant Football Coach Tony Collins II has resigned to accept a position at Wesleyan University (Conn.) as defensive line coach, special teams coordinator, and strength and conditioning coach.

A member of the coaching staff since 2022, Collins led the Generals' defensive line unit while assisting with Special Teams schemes. During Collins' tenure, the Generals established themselves as one of the premier defensive units in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, consistently ranking among the league leaders in multiple statistical categories while producing numerous all-conference and academic honorees.

The Generals' defense sustained success throughout Collins' four seasons in Lexington, ranking second in the ODAC in scoring defense (19.4 ppg), total defense (301.4 ypg) and rushing defense (120.7 ypg) in 2025. The defense led the ODAC wth 33 sacks in 2023 while leading the league in scoring defense, allowing 14.4 points per game.

"Washington and Lee is a special place. The beauty of the campus is obvious, but what truly makes it unique is the people and the community" said Collins II. "It has given me opportunities to grow as a coach and person, and it has been especially meaningful to watch my younger brother have the chance to grow here as well. That opportunity will always be cherished by my family!"

Under Collins' guidance, Washington and Lee earned one All-Region selection, Will Mahmud '26, and six All-ODAC selections. His student-athletes also excelled in the classroom, highlighted by two ODAC/Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors, one CSC Academic All-District selection and four National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society selections.

A national search for a new assistant football coach will begin immediately.

Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.

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