Bio

Coach Tyler Erwin brings 26 years of collegiate coaching experience to Midland University. A former All-Conference player at Midland, Erwin is building the program around high-character student-athletes.

“This program demands your best every single day, in every classroom, every practice, and every game. Excuses have no place here. Only effort, accountability, and an unrelenting will to be great. That means showing up when it's hard, owning your mistakes, and refusing to settle for average in the weight room, the film room, the classroom, and the community. Talent gets you here. Character keeps you here.”

At the heart of Coach Erwin's program are five pillars that define Warrior Basketball and shape every player who walks through the door:

Integrity · Determination · Selfless Service · Gratitude · Growth Mindset

These aren't just words. They are the foundation of a program built to develop champions. Whether competing for conference titles or preparing players for the next level, Warrior Basketball is a place where great players become great people.

Known as one of the premier player developers in the region, Erwin has recruited and developed 13 players who went on to play professionally, including two NBA G-League players and 21 players who surpassed 1,000 career points. His players have earned 36 all-league honors across multiple conferences and divisions while also excelling in the classroom with three Academic All-Americans and 26 NABC Honors Court selections under his watch.

By the Numbers

• 26 Years of Coaching Experience

• 21 1,000-Point Scorers Developed

• 13 Players Developed to Professional Level

• 2 NBA G-League Players

• 36 All-League Honorees

• 7 Post-Season Appearances (NCAA DI, DII & NAIA)

University of Nebraska Omaha: Coach Erwin spent 13 seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), coaching the Mavericks from 2009-10 through 2021-22. During his tenure, he coached seven all-region performers, while 18 players earned a combined 30 all-conference honors, including 18 All-Summit and eight All-MIAA selections.

Simpson College: Before his time at UNO, Erwin spent four years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. During his time at Simpson, he coached six all-league players and two 1,000-point scorers.

USBL - Nebraska Cranes: Before Simpson, Erwin spent one season as the director of basketball operations and assistant coach for the Nebraska Cranes, a former professional team in the United States Basketball League. He coached alongside legendary former UNK head coach Jerry Hueser and the late Terry Layton.

University of Nebraska Kearney: Erwin served as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Nebraska Kearney (UNK) from 2003-05 under Hall of Fame coach Tom Kropp. During his time with the Lopers, the team posted a 51-12 record, made two NCAA Division II National Tournament appearances, and advanced to the Sweet 16 once. He also earned his master’s degree in education/sports administration during his time at UNK.

Midland: Erwin played at Midland from 1996-2000, earning all-conference honors during his senior season while helping the Warriors win a conference tournament championship and earn a berth to the 2000 NAIA National Tournament.

Following his playing career, he began his coaching career at Midland under Hall of Fame coach Rich McGill. From 2000-03, Erwin served as recruiting coordinator, assistant varsity coach, and head junior varsity coach.

High School: A native of Laurel, Nebraska, Erwin attended Laurel-Concord High School, where he was an all-state and all-conference player in both basketball and football. He was a member of the 1994 Nebraska Class C-2 state runner-up football team and the 1995 Class C-2 state championship basketball team.

Education: Erwin earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a coaching endorsement from Midland University in 2000. He later earned a master’s degree in education/sports administration from the University of Nebraska Kearney in 2005.

Community and Organizations: Erwin is an active member of the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association, Nebraska Coaches Association, and National Association of Basketball Coaches. He volunteers with the Special Olympics and is also involved with the American Cancer Society and Coaches vs. Cancer. Along with his coaching responsibilities, he served as an instructor in UNO’s School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation for two years.

Family: Tyler and his wife, Lindsey (McGraw) Erwin, have been married for 17 years and have two daughters, Adyson and Emerson.