| Patrick Etherton started as a player at Millikin
and has been at three other Division III schools before
returning. Millikin athletics photo |
Millikin athletic director Joe Hakes is pleased to announce that Patrick Etherton has been selected as the new Big Blue football coach. Etherton, a 2000 graduate of Millikin, is currently an assistant football coach and head men's golf coach at the school.
He replaces Doug Neibuhr, who resigned after posting a 4-6 record last season, 1-6 in the CCIW.
"Patrick Etherton is a great example of the product that Millikin football produces," said Hakes. "It was obvious as we moved through the process that he had the passion, experience and skills necessary for success. In addition, he has experience with different systems of play in four solid programs. He knows the Millikin players and our program and will bring fresh ideas to the team."
"Patrick has recruited extremely well in both football and men's golf and he cares about the young men that he coaches," adds Hakes. "The golf program has had a track record of success under his leadership. He is focused on winning and his dream has been to lead the Millikin football program. I'm excited about what the future will hold here with Patrick at the helm."
"I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead the Millikin football program," said Etherton. "Since I began my coaching career, I have dreamed of being the Big Blue head coach and I have several new ideas for revitalizing the Millikin program and returning it to its tradition of excellence. I believe we have some really outstanding young men in our program and I am ready to take them to the next level with a style of play that will renew interest and excitement in Big Blue football."
Etherton has been on the Millikin football staff since 2004 and has coached on both sides of the football. He has 10 years of collegiate coaching experience. In addition to Millikin, Etherton has been on the football staffs at Washington and Jefferson, Puget Sound and Allegheny.
Since 2008, Etherton has been the Big Blue's passing game coordinator, wide receivers coach, recruiting coordinator and JV coach. From 2004-08, Etherton was Millikin's co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in addition to running the JV program and heading up the recruiting efforts.
Etherton has held the men's golf role since 2004. Under Etherton, the program has been successful including currently being ranked No. 11 in the nation in NCAA Division III by Golfstat.com.
Etherton is a 2000 graduate of Millikin. He played defensive back during his playing days for the Big Blue and was a student assistant coach from 1998-2000.