Michael Hepp just finished his first season as defensive line coach for the Golden Eagles.
Hepp came to the Golden Eagles after spending the last four seasons on the staff at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan. The Tigers have been one of the top NCAA Division II programs in the nation, advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2017.
Hepp has been the assistant special teams coordinator for Fort Hays State since the 2014 season. In addition, Hepp has coached the safeties since 2016. He previously worked with the defensive line during the 2014 and 2015 season. In his four seasons with Fort Hays State, the Tigers have gone 34-13. The 2017 version of the Tigers won the school's first-ever MIAA Championship and set the school record for wins with 11. Hepp helped coach Fort Hays State to back-to-back-to-back post-season appearances over the last three seasons, including the Mineral Water Bowl in 2015 and the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl in 2016.
While at Fort Hays State, Hepp assisted in the development of the defensive game plan against the run and pass game each week for the Tigers. He also served as video coordinator, social media coordinator, equipment manager, assistant recruiting coordinator, and assistant camp coordinator during his four seasons with Fort Hays State. In 2017, Hepp helped the Fort Hays State defense limit opponents to 306.6 yards per game, including just 98.9 yards per contest on the ground. The Tiger defense was also responsible for forcing 22 turnovers on the 2017 campaign. The 2017 defense ranked second in the MIAA overall. The pass defense was also ranked second in the MIAA. Hepp helped tutor Doyin Jibowu to All-MIAA First Team honors. In addition, Tanner Hoekman and Connor Shedeed earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention accolades. Jibowu went on to earn D2CCA All-Central Region First Team honors.
Prior to arriving at Fort Hays State, he was the graduate assistant running backs coach for Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan. While at Ottawa, Hepp was responsible for all aspects of the running back position. He coached running back Luke Lundy to All-Conference, All-Region and All-America honors for Ottawa. Hepp also assisted in weekly game planning, specifically in the run game. He also helped break down opponent film, served as video coordinator, equipment manager, and social media coordinator. In addition, he assisted with recruiting. While at Ottawa, he helped the team to a school record for rushing yards.
Prior to Ottawa, Hepp served as offensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for Campbellsport High School in Campbellsport, Wis.
