Rockford University

Dan Kleppin is entering his eighth season as a member of the Rockford University football coaching staff. This will be Kleppin's first season as the Regents' Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach. 

During Kleppin's time as on staff, Rockford's defensive units have consistently been in the top three in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in multiple categories each season. Rockford led the NACC in total defense, pass defense and fumble recoveries, and finished second in points per game and rushing defense in 2015. In 2018, the Regents ranked second in total defense, rushing defense and defensive touchdowns and third in points per game. Rockford also had one of its best overall years in a decade last season. The Regents also had more overall and conference wins in 2018 than in any single year since 2007. Rockford also defeated both Lakeland University and Concordia University Wisconsin for the first time in program history. 

The Regents have also seen a lot of individual success on the defensive side of the ball since Kleppin joined the RU coaching staff. Dating back to the 2015 season, the RU defense has had 14 all-conference performers, seven NACC Defensive Players of the Week, one all-region selection and one All-American.

Kleppin came to Rockford following a stellar four-year career at Benedictine where he was twice selected all-conference as a defensive end during his career as an Eagle. Kleppin earned Second Team All-NACC honors as a junior in 2009 and capped off his career with a First Team All-NACC selection the following season. During his senior year, Kleppin was also voted a team captain and helped lead Benedictine to a NACC Championship and its first ever playoff appearance. 

He graduated from Benedictine University with a bachelor's degree in Management and Organizational Behavior and most recently earned his master's degree from Rockford University.