Mike DuFrane Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
Mike DuFrane Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers | Northern Michigan University Athletics Website
Northern Michigan University has announced the addition of Joe Gatz to its football coaching staff. Gatz will take on the role of Offensive Line Coach as the Wildcats prepare for the upcoming 2024 season.
Gatz joins Northern Michigan from Southwest Minnesota State (SMSU), where he spent three seasons. During his time with the Mustangs, he served as Tight Ends Coach and Run Game Coordinator in 2022 and 2023. In 2021, he guided SMSU's Offensive Line while pursuing a Master of Science in Physical Education: Coaching of Sport. He also led recruitment efforts in Wisconsin and Illinois.
"We are very excited to announce Joe Gatz as our Offensive Line Coach," said Shane Richardson, Northern Michigan's head coach. "He brings knowledge and a passion to coach offensive line play. Joe is a genuine individual that the players will gravitate to, and fits well in our program. He will be a valuable asset as we move forward."
Prior to his tenure at SMSU, Gatz was the Varsity Offensive Line Coach at Saint Charles East High School in Illinois during 2020 and 2021. He was also part of the UW-Whitewater football team from 2017 to 2018 while coaching locally at Whitewater High School.
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