Lenoir-Rhyne University Athletics

Robbie Owens enters his third year as the Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs Coach at Lenoir-Rhyne in 2026. Owens brings over 27 years of coaching experience to LR with 15 of those coming as a head coach. 

In 2026 the Lenoir-Rhyne defense ranked 3rd in the SAC and 35th in the country in 4th down conversion percentage (0.389). They allowed 25.5 ppg and finished the season with 11 interceptions, second in the SAC. Desmond Greene, who led the team with five interceptions, was named a Don Hansen All-America honorable mention honoree.

The 2025 Bears finished with a record of 10-3 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA DII Playoffs. They finished the year ranked third in the country with 20 interceptions and ninth with four defensive touchdowns. Nic Cheeley was named an All-American after posting five interceptions, a force fumble, and 65 total tackles.

Prior to his time at LR, Owens spent three seasons at Keiser where the helped the Seahawks win the 2023 NAIA National Championship. Following the National Championship, Owens was named the 2023 FootballScoop NAIA Coordinator of the Year as his defense limited 10 of 14 opponents to less than 100 rushing yards, including just 51 in the 31-21 win over Northwestern in the NAIA national title game. For the season, Keiser limited opponents to just 288.5 yards per game, including only 91 per game on the ground, and 18.5 points per game. The Seahawks were great because they were prolific at turning teams over. Keiser swiped 15 interceptions and recovered 24 fumbles on the season, turning three of those 39 takeaways into touchdowns. Keiser led the nation in fumble recoveries. Defensive back Wendol Philord was an AFCA First Team All-American and an AP Second Team All-American on the year. He was the Sun Conference's defensive back of the year, set the school record with seven fumble recoveries, and is the only player in school history to take multiple picks back for touchdowns. 

Owens also helped Keiser to a National Championship appearance in 2022 and his defense set the school record for forced fumbles (21), fumble recoveries (16) and passes defended (73). 

Prior to coming to Keiser, Owens served as the Head Coach at Helix Charter High School in La Mesa, California. At the helm, Owens led Helix to five straight CIF San Diego Championships and coached four consecutive CIF Defensive Players of the Year. In 2019, he was named the KUSI Prep Pigskin 2019 San Diego Coach of the Year.
 
At the collegiate level, Owens spent time as the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Colorado Mesa University where he helped the team to two RMAC Championships (2000, 2003) and six playoff appearances.
 
Owens entered college football as a walk-on at Boise State before transferring to Colorado Mesa. He has spent 27 seasons in coaching and spending more than a decade as a head coach in the California high school ranks. Owens coached Helix Charter High School to five straight San Diego city championships. 

A native of Shoshone, Idaho, Owens earned his Bachelor’s degree in Human Performance and Wellness from Colorado Mesa University. Owens also holds a Master’s degree in Sports Administration from the University of Northern Colorado.
 
Owens is married to Kelly Ehmsen, who earned her nursing degree at Colorado Mesa University. They have two sons, Zack and Jacob.