Wes Bell is in his third season as defensive coordinator for the Mules in 2018. He came to UCM with 12 years of collegiate coaching experience, including the previous nine years at Missouri Western, and the last two as the Griffons’ defensive coordinator.

In his first season in Warrensburg in 2016, he led the Mules to the No. 3 total defense in the MIAA while switching schemes from a 4-3 to a 3-4. UCM was third in the league in passing defense and fourth in scoring defense as well. Eight defensive players earned All-MIAA accolades including safety Tevin Teamer being named to the conference’s first team.

In 2017, the Mules recorded 31 sacks which is tied for the sixth most in team history. The Mules also had six defenders named to the 2017 All-MIAA, led by defensive back Monteze Laitmore. Latimore was also chosen as an All-Region and All-American performer. Bell was responsible for the development of defensive lineman Connor Flagel, who went on to training camp in 2018 with the Tennessee Titans. 

In 2015, Bell led the Griffons to the No. 2 total defense in the MIAA. At 19.7 points per game, they were also second in the MIAA and 22^nd in Division II in scoring defense. They intercepted 19 passes on the season, second in the conference and 13^th in the nation. Bell coached Griffons cornerback Michael Jordan who was named a First-Team All-American by five different publications.   

In his first season as defensive coordinator, the Griffons held opponents to the fifth lowest point (179) total in program history and the lowest since 1993. Bell's unit ranked sixth in the nation and first in the MIAA in defensive TDs (5); ninth nationally and first in the MIAA in 4th down defense (28.6%); and ninth nationally and third in the MIAA in scoring defense (16.3 oppg). His defense also led the MIAA in sacks and ranked 15th in the nation and finished second in the MIAA in interceptions, red zone defense and total turnovers gained.
 
The 2014 unit was third in the MIAA in total defense and rushing defense. Michael Jordan was named to four All-American teams as a defensive back and was a repeat, first team All-MIA selection. Seven members of the Griffon defense were named All-MIAA and three took home MIAA Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week awards (Stephen Juergens, Marc Harrison and Kirk Resseguie).

Bell joined Missouri Western in the fall of 2007. During his time, he has coached 30 All-MIAA student-athletes and four All-Americans. He coached current Chicago Bears defensive end David Bass, who played for the Griffons from 2009-12.  

Prior to Missouri Western, Bell had two year stint with Minnesota State University-Moorhead. In his first year-and-a-half at Moorhead, Bell was the defensive line coach, special teams coordinator and strength and conditioning coordinator.

In the spring of 2007, Bell moved to defensive coordinator and coached the inside linebackers. At MSU-Moorhead, Bell coached two defensive linemen that received All-conference accolades in 2005 and three defensive lineman that received all-conference honors in 2006.

Prior to MSU-Moorhead, Bell spent one year at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, where he was the co-defensive coordinator and the defensive line coach. He also coached at Emporia High School during the 2003-04 season.

Bell attended Independence Community College for two years. He then transferred to Emporia State University, where he played on the defensive line. Bell was a team captain and received All-MIAA honors while playing at Emporia. He holds a bachelor's degree in social science from Emporia State University and a master's degree in educational leadership from MSU-Moorhead. He prepped at Marais des Cygnes Valley High School in Melvern, Kansas, where he was an All-State football and basketball player.

Bell and his wife, Rebecca, have two sons, Gavin and Chase.