GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota head football coach Bubba Schweigert announced Monday that Joel Schwenzfeier has been elevated to defensive coordinator. Coach Schwenzfeier just completed his 10th season on staff, most recently as the safeties coach and recruiting coordinator.

"We are very excited and looking forward to Coach Schwenzfeier leading our defense," said Coach Schweigert. "He is passionate about UND football and has contributed a great deal throughout his affiliation to the program as a player and as a member of the coaching staff. He is highly skilled at teaching the game and cares a greatly about developing young people in all aspects of their lives. His enthusiasm and love for the game is contagious and his role as the defensive coordinator will lead to a positive impact on our entire program."

Schwenzfeier has been a coach on the defensive side of the ball for nine seasons at UND, working with the outside linebackers from 2014-17 before spending the past five seasons with the safeties. Prior to his work with the defense, Schwenzfeier spent time coaching the running backs during the 2013 season.

"I am incredibly grateful to Coach Schweigert for this opportunity to serve as the defensive coordinator," Coach Schwenzfeier said. "This program and University hold a special place in my heart, and it is a privilege to continue my coaching career in the community that greatly impacted my life as a student, athlete and professional. I am committed to developing our players both on and off the field, and to helping them reach their full potential. I look forward to working alongside our talented coaching staff and dedicated student-athletes to build a championship-winning defense."

Before coaching at North Dakota, Schwenzfeier made 37 career starts and played in all 44 games at strong safety during a four-year career that spanned from 2007-10. He finished his career with 11 interceptions and tied a UND single-game record with three in the 2009 season-opener at Texas Tech. He was named to the All-Great West first team following his senior season in 2010.

Coach Schweigert will be filling the running back and linebacker coaching positions in the coming weeks.

North Dakota will begin the 2023 season on Saturday, Sept. 2, hosting Drake inside the Alerus Center.

SCHWENZFEIER FILE
2023 – North Dakota Defensive Coordinator
2022 – North Dakota Safeties Coach
2021 – North Dakota Safeties Coach
2020-21 – North Dakota Safeties Coach
2019 – North Dakota Safeties Coach
2018 – North Dakota Safeties Coach
2017 – North Dakota Outside Linebackers Coach
2016 – North Dakota Outside Linebackers Coach
2015 – North Dakota Outside Linebackers Coach
2014 – North Dakota Outside Linebackers Coach
2013 – North Dakota Running Backs Coach