Dan Larson was hired as UMD’s new offensive coordinator two winters ago (succeeding his current boss, head coach Curt Wiese) and since that time, he’s sat at the controls of a high-octane unit that has ranked among the top 10 NCAA II clubs in time of possession (fifth last fall and third in 2013) and rushing offense (eighth one year ago and ninth the previous season). Five of his pupils also went on to attain All-American status -- guard Andrew Muer (2014 and 2013), running back Logan Lauters (2014), wide out Aaron Roth (2014), quarterback Drew Bauer (2014), tackle Tom Olson (2013) and center Grant Schnobrich (2013).
Larson signed on with the Bulldogs in January 2013, having been employed the previous five years as Macalester College’s offensive coordinator. Under Larson’s watch, the Scots set school records for both scoring (34.2 points per game) and passing yards (215.1 ypg) in 2012 while going 6-4 on the year. Two years earlier, Macalester rolled up a program-best 423.2 yards of total offense per game and had the unique distinction of averaging over 200 yards rushing and 200 yards passing during the course of the season.
Prior to joining the Macalester staff, Larson worked as the running backs coach and special teams coordinator at Colgate University, from 2006 to 2007. During his final year with the Red Raiders, he tutored running back Jordan Scott, the 2007 FBS (NCAA IAA) national rushing yardage leader. Larson began his collegiate coaching career at Marietta College (Ohio), where, as a colleague of Wiese’s, spent a pair of seasons (2003-04) as the Pioneers’ strength and conditioning coach in addition to overseeing the running backs and punters. In 2005, he relocated to the University of Wisconsin-Stout football program and oversaw the Blue Devil wide receivers and special team units.
A native of Baldwin, Wis., Larson was a three-year starter on the defensive line at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and, as a senior in 2002, captained the Blugolds while attaining All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference recognition.
Larson, 36, earned a B.A. degree in mass communications/public relations from UW-Eau Claire in 2003 and a Master’s degree in education from Marietta College two years later. He and his wife, Erin, have one daughter, Stella and one son, Oliver..
