Head Coach Colin Burandt has led the Dowagiac Wrestling program since the 2015–2016 season. Under his leadership, Dowagiac has reemerged as a powerhouse in southwest Michigan and across MHSAA Division 3.

In his third year, Coach Burandt guided the Chieftains to a victory over 5th-ranked Lakewood High School, capturing Dowagiac’s first regional title in 14 years and earning a berth in the MHSAA Team State Finals. Since that breakthrough season, the Chieftains have claimed a school-record eight consecutive district championships, reached eight straight regional finals, and qualified for the MHSAA Team State Finals three times (2018, 2019, 2020).

Before taking the helm at Dowagiac, Coach Burandt competed at Niles High School, where he was a two-time Berrien County Champion, two-time NIC Conference Champion, two-time SMAC Conference Champion, District and Regional Champion, three-time MHSAA State Qualifier, MHSAA Academic All-State, and MHSAA All-State honoree.

Following his high school career, he wrestled for Muskegon Community College and Michigan State University before transitioning into coaching. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Niles High School under veteran coach Todd Hesson, where he began shaping the foundation for his future success leading Dowagiac Wrestling.

Assistant Coach Casey Burandt enters his first season on the Dowagiac Chieftains coaching staff. A 2013 graduate of Niles High School, Coach Burandt was a standout competitor for the Vikings, compiling an impressive record during his high school career.

While competing for Niles, Burandt was the 2013 District Champion, 2013 Regional Champion, three-time Regional Qualifier, two-time MHSAA State Qualifier, and the 2013 MHSAA State Runner-Up.

As team captain in 2013, Burandt helped lead the Vikings to MHSAA Team District and Regional Titles—the first Regional Title in school history—earning a berth in the 2013 MHSAA Team State Finals, where Niles advanced to the semifinals, narrowly falling to eventual state champion Lowell, 31–26.

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Assistant Coach Pat Lyle has been a cornerstone of the Dowagiac Chieftains wrestling program since joining Head Coach Colin Burandt’s staff in 2015. A dedicated and experienced coach, Lyle has played an integral role in the Chieftains’ sustained success over the past decade.

During his tenure, Coach Lyle has helped guide Dowagiac to eight consecutive MHSAA District Championships, eight straight Regional Final appearances, and three trips to the MHSAA Team State Finals.

Assistant Coach Jordan Simpson enters his first season on the Dowagiac Chieftains coaching staff. A 2022 Dowagiac graduate, Coach Simpson was a standout competitor for the Chieftains, earning an impressive list of accomplishments during his high school career.

While competing for Dowagiac, Simpson was a three-time District Champion, four-time Regional Qualifier, three-time MHSAA State Qualifier, and three-time MHSAA All-State Wrestler, placing 4th in 2020, 6th in 2021, and 4th in 2022.

Following his high school career, Simpson continued wrestling under Coach Todd Hesson at Southwestern Michigan College, where he was a two-year starter at 125 pounds. He concluded his collegiate career as a two-time NJCAA National Qualifier for the Roadrunners.

Assistant Coach Kody Walker enters his first season on the Dowagiac Chieftains coaching staff. A 2018 Dowagiac graduate, Coach Walker was a standout competitor for the Chieftains, building an impressive résumé during his high school career.

While competing for Dowagiac, Walker was the 2017 District Champion, 2018 Regional Champion, three-time Regional Qualifier, three-time MHSAA State Qualifier, and an MHSAA All-State Wrestler, placing 6th in 2017.

As team captain in 2018, Walker helped lead the Chieftains to MHSAA Team District and Regional Titles, earning a trip to the 2018 MHSAA Team State Finals.

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