Bret Peterson enters the second year of his second stint and sixth year with the Wildcats at Bethel University in 2026. He will serve as an offensive assistant working with the tight ends while also taking on responsibilities as the Director of Football Operations.
Prior to his return, Peterson spent the 2025 season as the linebackers coach; and the 2024 season as a senior offensive analyst at the University of North Alabama.
Peterson began his coaching career at Bethel in 2020. He coached the offensive line for three seasons before transitioning to tight ends and H-backs
in 2022 and 2023. He also held key support roles as Assistant Director of Football Operations and Video Coordinator during that time.
As a coach, Peterson has been part of one of the most successful eras in Bethel football history. He directly coached eight all-conference selections,
including four offensive linemen, one tight end, and three linebackers. In total, he helped develop 15 all-conference selections and two All-Americans on the offensive
side of the ball, as well as three all-conference selections on the defensive side. In 2022, he contributed to an 11-1 campaign that included an  undefeated regular season, a Mid-South Conference championship, and a playoff appearance.
In 2023, Peterson helped guide the Wildcats to an 11-2 finish and a berth in the NAIA Quarterfinals—the deepest playoff run in program history. That season, the offense broke 13 school records, produced seven all-conference players, two All-Americans, and the MSC Offensive Player of the Year. The Wildcats ranked second nationally in total passing and passing touchdowns.
As a player, Peterson was a standout on the offensive line for the Wildcats from 2014–2018. A three-year starter and team captain, he helped lead Bethel to an undefeated season and a Mid-South Conference championship in 2018 the Wildcats led the nation in scoring offense at 55.0 points per game. Peterson was also a four-time MSC Academic All-Conference selection.Peterson earned his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Bethel in 2018, graduating summa cum laude. He completed his Master’s degree at Bethel in 2022.
A native of LaFayette, Georgia, Peterson brings experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to the Bethel football program.
