Pedersen named Pioneers' interim head football coach

Grinnell College Director of Athletics and Recreation Greg Wallace has announced Jeff Pedersen ‘02 (pictured) has been named interim head coach of the Pioneers’ football program.

Pedersen, the Pioneers’ defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, replaces Max Hawsey. Hawsey has taken a coaching position at his alma mater, Austin College in Texas.

Pedersen, who also serves as director of the College’s Fitness Center and is the interim head women's track and field coach, returned to Grinnell in 2008 after serving on the Pioneers’ football staff from 2003-2006. He earned a degree in history in 2002 from Grinnell, after which he earned his master’s degree in sports management from the United States Sports Academy.

Pedersen worked at The Catholic University of America in 2006 and 2007, serving as offensive coordinator and head strength and conditioning coach during his second year there. Prior to that while at Grinnell, Pedersen served as the Pioneers’ offensive coordinator, head strength and conditioning coach and Fitness Center director. Before that, Pedersen was an assistant coach at the University of Chicago for the 2002 season.

A two-time All-America tight end while playing at Grinnell, Pedersen set school records for receptions and completions in a single season. He was also a four-time All-Midwest Conference performer and a participant in the 2001 Division III Aztec Bowl, which pitted D-III All-Stars against the top players in Mexico.

“I am very excited to be named interim head coach,” said Pedersen. “It is always a transition to move from one head coach to another, but I believe we are handling the transition in the best way possible. Coach Hawsey created positive momentum for this program, and we have the players, the coaching staff, and the support system to continue that momentum here at Grinnell.”

“It is difficult to see coach Hawsey leave Grinnell,” added Wallace. “He worked hard to build a competitive program, and we wish him the very best at Austin College. But it is a great personal and professional pleasure for me to hand the reigns of the football program to a Grinnell College alum, a student-athlete I recruited, and an All-America tight end at Grinnell College, Jeff Pedersen. Jeff’s experience as a player and as an offensive and defensive coordinator has prepared him well for the position.”

Pedersen and his wife Jordan Esbrook ’01 have a daughter, Frances.