Mike Hiestand 2015-16 Football Staff

Mike Hiestand begins his first season as a defensive graduate assistant coach for the Irish in 2014. He spent the 2013 campaign as a defensive graduate assistant coach at Florida International.

Hiestand played linebacker at Illinois State (2008-10). He played mostly on special teams during his three seasons before an injury during his junior campaign ended his career. Hiestand returned a blocked punt for a 28-yard touchdown against rival Southern Illinois in 2010. Following his injury, Hiestand worked as a football student assistant coach for the remainder of Spring ’11.

Off the field, Hiestand was a Missouri Valley Conference Honor Roll student all three seasons. He graduated from Illinois State (’11) in just three years with a bachelor’s degree in history and minor in politics and government.

In 2012, Hiestand served as a graduate assistant at Miami University. He worked with the linebackers and special teams along with running the offensive scout team.

Mike Hiestand’s father, Harry, is in his third year as the Irish offensive line coach.