Jackets Add Judge as Defensive Coordinator

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Defiance College and head football coach Brian Sheehan took another step in filling out a new-look staff by announcing the hire of Jeff Judge as the defensive coordinator for the Yellow Jackets.

"Coach Judge not only puts us in position to play great defense, but he immediately gives our staff additional tri-state recruiting experience and greater familiarity with the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference," said Sheehan. "The Defiance College community and our football family got stronger today and I am excited to see the positive impact that Jeff will make on our players."

Judge spent the past nine seasons as the head coach at fellow Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference foe, Anderson University, and boasts 29 years of experience on the sidelines at the collegiate level.

"I am extremely appreciative for this opportunity at Defiance College," said Judge. "It is very clear that President Mark Gordon, Athletics Director Jenni Morrison and Coach Brian Sheehan all share a vision and a plan for success. It is also evident that it is important for our student-athletes to compete for HCAC championships, along with enhancing the foundational principles of growing in their faith, caring for family and building relationships on campus and within the Defiance community."

Prior to his head coaching stint with AU, Judge held coordinator positions for each of the previous 13 seasons during stops at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Simpson College and Morehead State University.

Judge held both the offensive and defensive coordinator tags during his three years at UW-Stevens Point, after leading the defensive unit for six years at Simpson. Judge's first coordinator opportunity came with Morehead State, where he ran the offense and was the recruiting coordinator over a four-year span.

The Gilbert, Iowa native got his start in the coaching ranks during five years as a student assistant at Iowa State University, where he completed a degree in physical education in 1987 with endorsements in coaching and secondary teaching. Judge then worked as a graduate assistant coach for two seasons at Purdue University, while earning a master's degree in sports administration in 1989.

"I believe in the vision and plan here at Defiance and am looking forward to working with our defensive staff to create a scheme our players will succeed in," stated Judge. "My goal is that when people watch DC on the football field, they will see discipline, fundamentals and team unity."

Judge is married to his wife, Lauri, and has two children, Katie and Thomas.