Larry Behling begins his inaugural season at Lane College where he will serve as the Safeties Coach and assist with all aspects of Special Teams play. Behling brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will assist Lane College Football on and off the field. With his personal mantra of football being a calling and way of life to mentor and develop young men Behling takes a holistic approach towards personal development.
Hailing from Bamberg, South Carolina Behling attended Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School where he was a stallworth on the defensive side of the ball. After much deliberation Behling decided to stay in-state for college and attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. At Benedict Behling displayed his athleticism and versatility playing both the safety and linebacker positions.
Upon matriculation with a bachelor’s degree in the field of Child and Family Services Behling started his ministry of mentorship gaining employment with Columbia South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. While serving in this capacity Behling was instrumental in mentoring and steering young men into positive career and living environments as a proverbial “Bridge Builder”. While serving in this capacity was fulfilling, Behling felt the call to mentor young men through his first love, football. In 2014 Behling took the Defensive Backs and Assistant Strength and Conditioning position at his prep alma mater, Bamberg Ehrhardt High School.
From 2014 to 2018 Behling enjoyed historic success and sent a multitude of individuals to play on the collegiate level. During this time the team won 2 region and 5 district championships, were two-time state runner ups (2014.2017), and had four seasons with over a 500% winning percentage. 2014 was his best year where the team went 12-2 and the defense only allowed 6.4 points per game. In 2018 Behling transitioned to powerhouse Orangeburg Wilkerson High School where he was elevated to Defensive and Special Teams Coordinator. Behling’s tenure at Orangeburg Wilkerson was culminated in the 2020 season where his defensive unit totaled 16 interceptions while averaging 2.28 takeaways per game.
After achieving continued success on the prep level Behling transitioned to the collegiate ranks where he accepted the role of Pass Game Coordinator, Special Teams Assistant, and Defensive Backs Coach at Clarke University located in Dubuque, Iowa. Behling also served as the Head Coach of the Reserve Team. Having the opportunity to coach both the safeties and cornerbacks Behling cemented his philosophy within the defensive unit. Putting critical emphasis on agility, fundamentals, and coverage schemes Behling orchestrated a unit that produced multiple all conference players.
Coach Behling holds professional membership in the South Carolina High School Coaches Association, National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches, AFCA, and is a leader within his local community. In 2023 Behling wrote his own nuptials and married fellow educator Lana Behling. The Behling’s are passionate about community, education, and their dogs.
