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Hartwick College Athletics

Dan Brainard

  • Title
    Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator / Special Teams Coordinator
  • Email
    brainardd@hartwick.edu
  • Phone
    607-431-4774
Dan Brainard begins his sixth season as a Hartwick football assistant coach in 2017. He will work with the Hawks' wide receivers, tight ends, and special teams.

This past fall, Brainard worked with Koree Reed, who led the nation in reception yards per game and was named both an Associated Press Little All-American and to the AFCA All-America First Team.

In 2015, Brainard coached a pair of Hawks - Brad Garcia and Tanner Williams - who combined for 132 receptions, 2,625 yards, 21 touchdowns, and each ranked in the top 10 in the NCAA in reception yards per game. Garcia led the country in the category (138.2) while Williams ranked ninth (124.3). Both players earned Empire 8 First Team and All-ECAC honors.

Brainard helped coach wide receiver Frankie Molina to a career year with 44 catches for 783 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2013. His 11 touchdowns led the Empire 8 and his 78.3 yards per game ranked fourth. Fellow wideout Tanner Williams led the Hawks in receptions (56) and yards (783) and was second in touchdown catches (7). Both players were named to the Empire 8 Second Team.

Under his guidance in 2012, freshman Tanner Williams was an Empire 8 Second Team selection as Hartwick's top receiver. His seven receiving touchdowns ranked tied for second in the league and his 80.5 reception yards per game ranked third. Williams was also tied for seventh in the conference in receptions. He led all freshmen in Division III football in all-purpose yards per game and paced the Empire 8 in yards per catch.

Brainard was the starting quarterback for Hartwick during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He finished his career ranked 5th in Hartwick history in passing yards (3,371) and 6th in passing touchdowns (22).

In his junior season, he completed 74 passes for 1,146 yards and eight touchdowns to help the Hawks to a 4-5 year. Brainard threw for a career-high 377 yards against Ithaca.

The following year he came close to doubling his offensive numbers, throwing for 2,225 yards and 14 touchdowns on 171 completions. He excelled down the stretch for 'Wick as he threw for 965 yards and eight touchdowns over the final three games of the season.

Brainard is originally from Owego, NY. He resides in Oneonta and graduated from Hartwick College with a degree in Mathematics.