The Minot State football team’s defense finished sixth in the NSIC last fall in yards allowed per game and the Beavers plan on playing even stingier defense in the future.

Looking to achieve that goal, Minot State head coach Ian Shields is pleased to introduce the Beavers’ new defensive leader, Jake Rothschiller, who takes over as defensive coordinator for Minot State starting today.

“We’re excited Jake is joining us to lead our defense,” Coach Shields said. “He’s an exceptionally talented and bright young coach that is a perfect fit for our program at this time – great experience with some of the best defensive minds in the industry, tremendous recruiter with a strong national network, and a contagious energy that will really connect with our players.”

Rothschiller spent that last two seasons as the linebackers coach at NCAA Division I University of New Mexico where he earned national recognition as he was named to the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 35 Under 35, a special honor recognizing the top 35 coaches under the age of 35 at all levels nationwide.

Members of the AFCA 35 Under 35 took part in a special conference recently. The AFCA 35 Under 35 is designed to identify and train rising leaders in the game of football and the coaching profession. The conference featured interactive lectures on topics that include ethics, leadership, NCAA rules, the hiring process, and athlete safety.

During his time as linebackers coach at New Mexico, Rothschiller had the opportunity to coach All-Mountain West linebacker Cody Moon who became the first Lobo in eight seasons to break the 100-tackle mark in just nine games during the 2022 season.

The new Minot State defensive coordinator began his coaching career as a graduate assistant for four years on the defensive side of the ball at New Mexico prior to taking over as linebackers coach.

Rothschiller also was a standout player at New Mexico where he started at safety for the Lobos, was team captain, and was named both the Defensive and Team MVP in 2017.

Rothschiller takes over a Minot State defense that allowed just seven points to Sioux Falls this past season, the fewest points allowed in the Beavers’ NCAA Division II era.

The Beaver defense was led by a trio of All-NSIC performers this past fall in juniors Isaiah Bigby and Carson Cayko, and senior Knylen Miller-Levi.