Long-time University of Minnesota Duluth defensive coordinator John Steger has been promoted to associate head coach while another veteran member of the Bulldog coaching staff, Trey Dill, will now oversee the UMD defense.

"We are pleased to announce a pair of well-deserved promotions on our defensive staff," said UMD head coach Curt Wiese. "Coach Steger and I have had conversations over the past year and a half that he was ready to hand over the responsibility and pressure of calling the defense to Trey. John has been the backbone of Bulldog football for a long time. His ability to mentor young men, outwork, out scheme and lead our defense has been unprecedented. Since I became head coach in 2013, I personally have leaned on John in the majority of decisions relating to our football program.

"Trey has worn many hats as a member of our coaching staff. He's been ready and prepared for this role as defensive coordinator for a long time and now it gives us the chance to reward him with this promotion.

"As a staff, we're eager to move forward," added Wiese. "With change there is always opportunity to grow and become better. Our intention is to do just that."

Steger is the reigning NSIC Assistant Coach of the Year, an award which debuted in 2018. In his new role, he will continue to serve as UMD's linebackers coach in addition to working with the special teams.  The senior member of the UMD football family, Steger recently completed his 18th season as the Bulldogs' defensive coordinator (1999-2009 and 2012-18).  Under Steger's expert watch, UMD has consistently finished among the NCAA II leaders in a number of defensive statistical categories. That includes last fall the Bulldogs paced the country in total defense (205.7 yards per game), rushing defense (59.2 yards per game) and third down conversion defense (22.5 percent) -- all program firsts -- and finished second in pass efficiency defense (93.25), third in scoring defense (12.4 points per game) and fifth in passing defense (146.5 ypg). In 2017, his troops topped the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference -- and were second nationally -- in third down conversion defense (24.8 percent) as well as fewest first downs allowed (155, which ranked third among all NCAA II clubs) and red zone defense (.600, the second-best mark in the country). Over the course of that season, UMD also went over 16 consecutive quarters without giving up a point, a school-record run that stretched from Oct. 7 to Nov. 4.  In 2008, Steger was chosen as a finalist for the footballscoop.com NCAA Coordinator of the Year Award after the Bulldogs allowed just four defensive touchdowns over the course of their four-game NCAA II national title run. During UMD tenure, he has helped produce 15 All-Americans and 44 different All-NSIC/North Central Conference first team selections.

"I am excited about the promotion to associate head coach and continuing to have a substantial role with Bulldog football," said Steger, who spent a pair of seasons (2010-12) as Southern Illinois University's linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator.  "I want to express my appreciation to Coach Wiese for allowing me to take on this new position. Bulldog football continues to be in great hands with his leadership.

"The biggest reason I feel comfortable with this decision is Trey Dill -- he has been more of a co-defensive coordinator over the past five years than just a position coach.  He will do a tremendous job leading our defensive group.  I will continue to be heavily involved in what we are doing on defense as the inside linebackers coach but will also be able to assist Coach Wiese with overall programs duties. "

Dill joined the Bulldog program in 2011 and since then has served as  the defensive line coach (2011-18), special teams coordinator (2018), recruiting coordinator (2011-18)  and outside linebacker coach (2018). During that time, he mentored  the likes of two-time All-NSIC defensive linemen Dree Greer, Jonathan Harden (a 2015 USA College Football All-American), Jacob Brusehaver, Buma Foncham, Karl Finkel, Nick Thorpe and Chris Vandervest as well as 2018 Don Hansen All-American outside linebacker Alex Helmer.

Prior to his arrival in Duluth, Dill completed a two-season appointment as the inside linebackers coach at intrastate rival St. Cloud State University.

"Coaching at UMD as been a true blessing," said Dill. "I've got to work with amazing people and coach fantastic student-athletes. This is an unbelievable opportunity I have been entrusted with by Coach Wiese and I'm looking forward to being able to lead this defense. My family and I are excited and thankful for this opportunity.

"I'd like to thank John Steger for believing in my abilities to move this defense into the future. Working with John these past seven season has taught me a how not only to prepare a group of men for the battles they face on Saturdays, but also how to prepare them for life after football.  I'm looking forward to growing our relationship as our roles change and being able to turn to  him for advice when challenges occur."