Jim Schroeder became Rockford's sixth head football coach in the program's history in December 2014. He brings an extensive knowledge of the game and is an excellent teacher and recruiter.
Prior to arriving at Rockford, Schroeder spent the bulk of his coaching career as the defensive coordinator at Benedictine University. During his ten seasons at Benedictine, his defenses were consistently among the best in the NACC as well as earning national recognition. In each of his final three seasons at Benedictine, Schroeder's defensive units have finished no lower than third in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in any of the four major statistical categories. In his final two seasons, he led the Eagles to the top ranking in the NACC in pass defense (2014), total defense (2013), scoring defense (2013) and rush defense (2013). He also coached the NACC Defensive Player of the Year in three of his final four seasons and has had 45 players voted All-NACC since 2008.
On top of being one of the best in the conference year in and year out, Schroeder has seen his defensive units finish ranked in the top 50 nationally in a category 11 times over past six seasons. In 2014 Schroeder coached the 12th ranked pass defense and 15th ranked total defense at the NCAA Division III level. His two highest rankings over the last six years came back in 2011 when the Eagles finished the season with the 11th ranked pass and total defense.
Schroeder started his coaching career at his alma mater Valparaiso University as a graduate assistant working with the offensive line in 2001. He then spent a season as the defensive tackles coach at Columbia University of the Ivy League. After leaving Columbia, Schroeder served as the defensive line/running backs coach at Davidson College in North Carolina from 2003-05. During the 2003 season, he mentored and coached the school's all-time leading rusher.
Schroeder graduated from Valparaiso University in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education. In 2006 he earned his master’s degree in Athletic Administration from Valparaiso. As a player, Schroeder was a three year starter who earned All-Pioneer Football League honors as well as Honorable Mention Mid-Major All-American honors by the Football Gazette. Following graduation, he played professionally for the Dortmund Giants of the German Football League.
The Michigan native will reside in Rockford, Ill. with his wife Theresa and their two children; Andrew and Alaina.
