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| Steve Opgenorth spent the 2014 season as head coach at St. Norbert. d3photography.com file photo |
Oberlin associate vice president for athletics advancement athletic director Natalie Winkelfoos announced the appointment of Steve Opgenorth as head football coach.
Opgenorth comes to Oberlin after spending the last five seasons at nearby Baldwin Wallace, most recently serving as associate head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks' coach in 2019.
"I am energized by this moment of change," Winkelfoos said. "Under Steve's leadership, our football program's culture will evolve and advance. Expectations will be elevated and the experiences of our student-athletes with intense academic demands will be nurtured."
He replaces Jay Anderson, who stepped down in January after six seasons at the helm.
Over the last two seasons, Opgenorth has helped lead the Yellow Jackets to a 15-5 record. In 2018, Baldwin Wallace led the Ohio Athletic Conference in total offense with 456.6 yards per game as he mentored quarterback Jake Hudson to All-OAC second team accolades after he threw for a school record 2,640 yards while finishing second in the league with 25 touchdown passes.
"I am proud and honored to be named the head football coach at Oberlin College," Opgenorth said. "There is a shared vision to build and develop the Yeomen football program, and ensure that our student-athletes will reach their full potential as students, athletes, and as people during their time in our program. I would like to thank President Ambar and Natalie Winkelfoos for this opportunity. We will set a standard of excellence within an elite institution here in Northeast Ohio. It's the right time to be a Yeoman."
Prior to his tenure in Berea, Opgenorth was the head coach at St. Norbert in 2014, leading the Green Knights to a 6-4 record. He earned the head coaching opportunity after assisting in revitalizing the football program at Colby as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for two seasons, helping the Mules post a .500 season in his second year.
A former All-American placekicker and punter at NCAA Division II Winona State, he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at Carroll from 2005-06, before moving on to Albright where he helped take the Lions from a 2-8 football team in 2006 to an 11-2 record and an NCAA Division III national quarterfinal appearance in 2009.
Opgenorth, who was the special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach at his alma mater from 2010-12, was part of four consecutive postseason appearances for the Warriors, which included a trip to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals in 2003. Ending his career with 323 points and five school records, he was named to the Winona State All-Century Team in 2005.
In addition to coaching, he was selected as one of 30 participants in the NFL/NCAA coaches' academy in 2012, and has been a leadership development speaker across the country. Opgenorth is also an active member in the American Football Coaches Association and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for me and my family," Opgenorth said. "My wife, Bridget, son, Vance, and I are excited to be a part of the Oberlin family and campus community."
A native of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Opgenorth graduated cum laude from Winona State in May 2005 with a degree in business education. He earned his master's degree from Carroll in adult educational leadership in 2017.