Portland State University Men's Football

Barnum. He went from interim Head Coach to FCS National Coach of the Year in just a few months. It was a meteoric rise founded on more than two decades of hard work as an assistant coach at the collegiate level.   Barnum led his Viking team on a remarkable journey in 2015 - the best-ever season at the Division I level for PSU - while making a remarkable journey of his own in his first season as a head football coach.  The Vikings' offensive coordinator for five seasons, Barnum was named interim Head Coach on Nov. 26, 2014. Within a week, he was given a one-year contract to run the program and no guarantees for the future. All Barnum did was take a 3-9 team that was an after-thought in the Big Sky Conference, as well as the city of Portland, and turn it one of the best teams in the nation. He accomplished that with virtually the same roster as 2014, save one key addition; quarterback . Barnum guided PSU to a 9-3 record in 2015 - its best record ever at the Division I level. The Vikings beat two FBS programs in the same season for the first time in their history, including a first-ever win over a Pac-12 team. PSU went 5-1 against nationally-ranked teams and was ranked as high as fifth in the nation at the end of the season.  The Vikings made their first appearance in the NCAA playoffs in 15 years, just their second ever, and hosted a Division I playoff game for the first time. PSU lost to Northern Iowa of the powerhouse Missouri Valley Conference, 29-17, but that didn't diminish a magical fall on the Park Blocks for the Viking team. Most of all, using his "BarnyBall" style of tough, hard-nosed fundamental football sprinkled with remarkable team chemistry and unity, Barnum made Portland State football relevant again in the city of Portland, in the Big Sky Conference and on the national scene. On Nov. 25, Barnum became the first Viking football coach ever selected as Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year. One week later has was named FCS Coach of the Year in a vote of media members from around the nation. One Year Of BarnyBall Nov. 26, 2014: Barnum is named Portland State's interim head coach when previous Head Coach Nigel Burton is relieved of his duties. Dec. 2, 2014: Barnum is given a 12-month contract as Head Coach - due in part to the fact that Portland State was still in the search process for a new Director of Athletics. "I look at it as a 12-month interview. This is a great opportunity to show what I can do as a Head Coach," said Barnum. Still, following a 3-9 season, expectations are not high for the Vikings. Feb. 5, 2015: Barnum and his staff complete their signing class for 2015. Included is former Utah State High School Player of the Year and Mr. Football, Alex Kuresa, via BYU and Snow Junior College. Mar. 31, 2015: Spring football practice begins. Barnum introduces his team to his style of coaching, practicing and team play. The Vikings take a business-like approach, but have a noticeably lighter, more enthusiastic, spirited air about the program. BarnyBall is born. July 21, 2015: Barnum meets the Big Sky Conference press for the first time at the league's preseason kickoff event. Proving his easy-going manner, Barnum shows a few members of the media a countdown timer app on his phone. Barnum's son, Cooper, has set a countdown to the end of Barnum's 12-month contract (131 days, a few hours and some odd minutes remain). Laughter ensues. On a side note, the Vikings are picked to place ninth in the 13-team Big Sky Conference by league coaches, 12th by the media. Aug. 10, 2015: First practice. The Vikings are ready to go. Nobody has any idea what lies ahead for the PSU program. Aug. 28, 2015: Barnum settles the most watched drama of fall camp; who will be starting quarterback among a four-man competition JC transfer Alex Kuresa gets the job. Meanwhile, Barnum creates a new position: UQ, or utility quarterback. That role goes to Paris Penn, who throws, runs and receives. Josh Kraght, starter in three games in 2014, moves to wide receiver. Kieran McDonagh, who has 29 career starts, becomes the backup. Barnum's unique offensive style will reveal formations that include two, three and four quarterbacks at a time throughout the season. All four will throw, run and catch passes during the season.  Sept. 5, 2015: In his coaching debut, Barnum leads Portland State to arguably the biggest win in program history, a 24-17 defeat of Washington State in Pullman. The Vikings come from 10 points down at halftime to dominate the second half. BarnyBall is now borne to the masses. Sept. 12, 2015: Another surprise. Barnum leads the Vikings to a convincing 34-14 road win at nationally-ranked Idaho State to open the Big Sky Conference season. A personal victory for Barnum who spent nine seasons as an assistant in Pocatello and once tried to get the head coaching position there. BarnyBall is no fluke. Oct. 3, 2015: Portland State loses a nail-biter to North Dakota at home, 19-17. A big disappointment, but at 3-1 nobody is complaining about the Vikings. The question: How will they respond to their first adversity of the season Oct. 10, 2015: Question answered. Portland State routs North Texas of Conference USA, 66-7, marking the largest margin of victory by an FCS team over an FBS team in NCAA history. Early in the fourth quarter, with the Vikings ahead 59-0, Barnum inserts Mitch Thompson into the game. Thompson, the backup to the backup to the backup running back, takes his first carry up the middle, spins off two tacklers and breaks away from the field, sprinting 68 yards for his first career touchdown. Afterward, Barnum admits to having a tear in his eye following the play. PSU is now 2-0 against FBS programs for the first time ever in a season. The Vikings are 4-1 and ranked 17th in the nation. Oct. 14, 2015: Following morning practice, PSU Director of Athletics Mark Rountree announces to the team that Barnum has signed a five-year contract to be the Vikings Head Football Coach. The players celebrate, taking up the now common refrain on the Park Blocks, "BarnyBall!! BarnyBall!! BarnyBall!!" The Vikings have become a college football and media sensation. Oct. 17/24/31, 2015: Over the next three weeks, Portland State runs the gauntlet of its Big Sky Conference schedule ending three long losing streaks against powerhouse programs. PSU beats Montana State 59-42, Cal Poly 38-35, then Montana 35-16. That ends series' losing streaks to those programs of eight, three and eight games, respectively. The Vikings are now 7-1 and rise to 10th in the polls. Nov. 7, 2015: Portland State suffers its second loss of the season, again by a narrow margin in the final minute, 35-32, at Northern Colorado. Now 7-2, Portland State knows its needs to finish strong for its first shot at the NCAA Playoffs in 15 years. Nov. 14, 2015: Barnum leads the Vikings to another monumental win, 24-23, over first-place and previously undefeated Southern Utah. The winning score in the game comes on an old fashioned jump pass by former backup QB, now part-time fullback, Kieran McDonagh, to senior tight end Cam Thompson, who had never caught a TD pass in his career prior to the game. The play is representative of a "no star" team that has had a myriad of players excel throughout the year. With an eighth victory and ranked 11th the Vikings are almost assured a shot at the post-season now. Nov. 20, 2015: Barnum leads his program on the fourth leg of his "Americana Tour" that has included bus rides to Pullman, WA, Pocatello, ID, San Luis Obispo, CA, and now Cheney, WA. In all, the Vikings log 4,394 bus miles and approximately 80 hours round trip to those four destinations (PSU also flies on two road trips). The Americana Tour includes such things as dozens of on-bus movies, a stop to buy a lottery ticket on the way home from beating Washington State, a practice on Boise State's blue turf, a sight-seeing trip to Alcatraz (in which equipment manager Mike Haluska was left on the island but soon retrieved), and a midnight McDonald's run at a lonely truck stop in eastern Oregon.  Nov. 21, 2015: The Vikings meet up with another nemesis, the Eastern Washington Eagles, in Cheney. PSU beats the Eagles, 34-31, on their "inferno" turf, capturing the best regular season record ever at the Division I level (9-2, ranked 5th in the nation), ending another losing streak to the Eagles (three games), remaining perfect against nationally-ranked teams (5-0), winning the rivalry series with EWU (The Dam Cup) and locking in a sixth-seed to the NCAA playoffs and first-round bye. Nov. 24, 2015: Portland State's "no star" team has just one first team All-Big Sky Conference selection (with five second teamers and five third teamers). However, Alex Kuresa is named the Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year. Free safety Patrick Onwuasor, the nation's leader in interception, earns the first team nod and later becomes a finalist for National Defensive Player of the Year. Nov. 25, 2015: In some of the least surprising news to come out of the Big Sky Conference all year, Bruce Barnum is named the Big Sky's Coach of the Year in a vote by his peers. He is the first Viking football coach ever to earn that honor. Dec. 5, 2015: Portland State's storybook season comes to an end, losing to Northern Iowa, 29-17, at Providence Park. Despite the loss, Vikings fans begin the chant, "BarnyBall! BarnyBall!! BarnyBall!!!" in the closing moments of the game. Dec. 7, 2015: Bruce Barnum is named FCS National Coach of the Year in a vote by the nation's media. The announcement of Barnums new multi-year contract at PSU was made following practice on Oct. 14 to the Viking football team by Director of Athletics Mark Rountree. It was a popular selection as the team leapt to its feet, cheering, then began chanting Barny Ball, Barny Ball! - the teams slogan for its style play and a take-off on Barnums name. It is my privilege to announce that Portland State has signed Bruce Barnum to a multi-year contract, said Rountree. Coach Barnum has proven he can lead our team to compete at the highest levels, and is committed to developing student-athletes to be successful for the rest of their lives.    The search committee recognized his strong commitment to integrity and the holistic success of students, which is why he was the unanimous choice for the job. Bruce exemplifies Portland States identity of being fearless and determined, and I know he will have a huge impact on our campus and our community. Coach Barnum has made a huge difference in our athletics program in a very short time. His commitment to our student-athletes and Portland State is outstanding and we look forward to continued success, said PSU President Wim Wiewel. Barnum got quick results in 2015, leading his Vikings to a landmark 24-17 win over Washington State on Sept. 5 - the first-ever win by a PSU team over a Pac-12 team. Then on Sept. 12, the Vikings opened Big Sky Conference play with another road win, 34-14, over then-23rd ranked Idaho State. A 66-7 blowout victory over another FBS team, North Texas, shows how far the Viking team has come in one year.  Moreover, the Vikings showed dramatic improvements in areas where they had come up short in recent seasons, including improved turnover margin, fewer penalties, and a vastly upgraded defense.  When he was first named interim Head Coach - despite the short term - Barnum was more than happy to take it, fulfilling his long-held desire to be a head coach. It was I look at it like I have a 12-month interview, Barnum said at the time. This is a great opportunity to show what I can do as a Head Coach. And take advantage he did.... Barnum is the 14th head coach in the 70-year history of Portland State football and the fourth in PSUs 21-year history in the Big Sky Conference. His background of nearly three decades in coaching, including 15 years as a coordinator, has shown excellent results. When Barnum came to Portland State in 2010, he brought versatility and resiliency as the teams offensive coordinator. With a background based in strong passing games, he took the Pistol Offense, which is run-oriented, and created a dynamic attack for the Vikings. The result has been an offense that improved four straight seasons in total yards and total points and become one of the top producers in the nation annually. PSU averaged 355.2 yards per game of offense in 2009, the year before Barnum took over. That number grew over four seasons from 396.5 to 432.7 to 438.7 to 540.5. On the scoreboard, PSU averaged 21.1 prior to Barnums arrival. In the next four seasons it improved to 23.4, 32.9, 34.8 and 34.9 in 2013. In those four years, Barnum improved the Portland State offense by 185 yards and nearly 14 points per game. In 2011, Barnum led PSUs offense to the most yards and most points by a Viking team in a decade. Portland State averaged 247.8 rushing yards, 184.9 passing yards, 432.7 total yards and 32.9 points per game. The Vikings were eighth in the nation in rushing, 15th in total offense and 18th in scoring. PSUs numbers were up nearly 40 yards and more than nine points per game over the previous season. Even more impressive, Barnums offense accomplished all that after losing the nations top rusher, Cory McCaffrey, to injury after playing in only five games. His quarterback, Connor Kavanaugh, set new Portland State and Big Sky Conference records for rushing in a season (1,060) and a career (1,965). Of course, he bettered that in 2012. The offense was as balanced as you could hope for at 216.5 yards on the ground, 222.2 yards through the air, 438.7 total yards and 34.8 points per game overall. Nationally, PSU was 16th in rushing, 16th in total offense and 11th in scoring. PSU had its most yards of total offense in 11 years, best rushing average in 11 years (5.3 yards per game), most points per game in 13 years, and remarkably, allowed only seven sacks all season as the Vikings attempted 343 passes.  Considering Portland State had a new backfield with freshman quarterback Kieran McDonagh and top rusher DJ Adams, a junior transfer, the production was outstanding. McDonagh ended up as the most productive freshman quarterback in Portland State history (2,187 passing yards, 406 rushing yards, 23 total touchdowns). Adams (967 yards, 12 touchdowns) teamed with McDonagh and returners Shaq Richard (524 yards) and Justin Lilley (178 yards) for a dynamic rushing attack. McDonagh finished eighth in the voting for the Jerry Rice National Freshman of the Year Award.     In 2013, numerous Vikings offensive numbers were broken. The Vikings set new school records for total offense (6,486 yards), offense per game (540.5), rushing offense (3,330 yards), rushing offense per game (277.5) and rushing touchdowns (36) and maintained balance on the attack with 263.0 yards per game in the air, leading the nation in yards per completion (16.7). Portland State ranked third in the nation in total offense (first in the Big Sky) and third in rushing offense (second in the Big Sky). And, for the third time in four years, the Viking offense broke the school record for rushing. In addition, the Viking offense featured two of the top players in the Big Sky Conference in running back DJ Adams (1,600 yards, 19 TDs) and wide receiver Kasey Closs (63 receptions, 1,167 yards, 8 TDs). Portland State rushed for more than 2,000 rushing yards as a team for the sixth straight year in 2015 (3,007). It was the second time the team rushed for more than 3,000 yards under Barnum. PSU has rushed for more than 200 yards per game in each season. The top five rushing seasons in school history have come in the last five seasons (3,330 in 2013; 3,007 in 2015; 2,726 in 2011, 2,500 in 2014; 2,382 in 2012). Portland State led the Big Sky Conference in rushing two years in a row (2010 and 2011). With the addition of triple-option offense Cal Poly to the league, the Vikings were second in rushing in three of the next four years. During his tenure, Barnums offensive line has also been brilliant. In 2014, PSU led the Big Sky Conference with the fewest sacks allowed on the season (10) despite throwing 423 passes. PSU has allowed only 56 sacks over 58 games the last five seasons while throwing 1,651 passes. Most recently, Barnum was the offensive coordinator at Cornell, running a spread offense with the Big Red program from 2007-09. In 2008, five members of the Cornell offense earned All-Ivy League honors as the Big Red led the league in passing yards and ranked second in total offense. In 2007, Cornell scored the second-most points for the program in 58 years. Familiar with the Big Sky Conference as a 1987 graduate and player at Eastern Washington, Barnum coached at Idaho State from 1998-2006. He was the offensive coordinator for the Bengals for six seasons. Barnum had many successes with the ISU offense, averaging 30 points per game in 2001 and 2002. The Bengals were Big Sky Conference co-Champions with Montana in 2002. In 2003, the Bengal offense scored 394 points - second-most in school history - and ranked sixth in the nation in passing, 20th in scoring and 21st in total offense. In 2004, the Bengals threw for 3,611 yards - third-most in school history. In 2005, the team rushed for over 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns. Interestingly, Barnum also served on the defensive side of the ball at Idaho State. He was the ISU defensive coordinator in 2000, and worked with the defensive line in 1999 and 2000. Barnum began his career as a high school coach at Columbia River HS in Vancouver and Central Valley HS in Spokane. He moved on to be offensive line coach at Western Washington in 1989-90. Barnums first experience at Cornell came during the 1991 and 1992 seasons, working as an assistant offensive line coach and offensive coordinator for the freshman team. Barnum was an offensive line coach and run game coordinator at American International in 1993. He served as offensive line coach and assistant head coach at the United States Coast Guard Academy from 1994-97. That team won a Freedom Conference Championship, advancing to the NCAA III playoffs. 7th year at Portland State Hometown: Alma Mater: Playing Career: Date of Birth: Family: COACHING EXPERIENCE RECRUITING AREAS Out of state: 2015 was a remarkable year for Viking Football Coach Bruce Barnum. He went from interim Head Coach to FCS National Coach of the Year in just a few months. It was a meteoric rise founded on more than two decades of hard work as an assistant coach at the collegiate level.   Barnum led his Viking team on a remarkable journey in 2015 - the best-ever season at the Division I level for PSU - while making a remarkable journey of his own in his first season as a head football coach.  The Vikings' offensive coordinator for five seasons, Barnum was named interim Head Coach on Nov. 26, 2014. Within a week, he was given a one-year contract to run the program and no guarantees for the future. All Barnum did was take a 3-9 team that was an after-thought in the Big Sky Conference, as well as the city of Portland, and turn it one of the best teams in the nation. He accomplished that with virtually the same roster as 2014, save one key addition; quarterback . Barnum guided PSU to a 9-3 record in 2015 - its best record ever at the Division I level. The Vikings beat two FBS programs in the same season for the first time in their history, including a first-ever win over a Pac-12 team. PSU went 5-1 against nationally-ranked teams and was ranked as high as fifth in the nation at the end of the season.  The Vikings made their first appearance in the NCAA playoffs in 15 years, just their second ever, and hosted a Division I playoff game for the first time. PSU lost to Northern Iowa of the powerhouse Missouri Valley Conference, 29-17, but that didn't diminish a magical fall on the Park Blocks for the Viking team. Most of all, using his "BarnyBall" style of tough, hard-nosed fundamental football sprinkled with remarkable team chemistry and unity, Barnum made Portland State football relevant again in the city of Portland, in the Big Sky Conference and on the national scene. On Nov. 25, Barnum became the first Viking football coach ever selected as Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year. One week later has was named FCS Coach of the Year in a vote of media members from around the nation. One Year Of BarnyBall Nov. 26, 2014: Barnum is named Portland State's interim head coach when previous Head Coach Nigel Burton is relieved of his duties. Dec. 2, 2014: Barnum is given a 12-month contract as Head Coach - due in part to the fact that Portland State was still in the search process for a new Director of Athletics. "I look at it as a 12-month interview. This is a great opportunity to show what I can do as a Head Coach," said Barnum. Still, following a 3-9 season, expectations are not high for the Vikings. Feb. 5, 2015: Barnum and his staff complete their signing class for 2015. Included is former Utah State High School Player of the Year and Mr. Football, Alex Kuresa, via BYU and Snow Junior College. Mar. 31, 2015: Spring football practice begins. Barnum introduces his team to his style of coaching, practicing and team play. The Vikings take a business-like approach, but have a noticeably lighter, more enthusiastic, spirited air about the program. BarnyBall is born. July 21, 2015: Barnum meets the Big Sky Conference press for the first time at the league's preseason kickoff event. Proving his easy-going manner, Barnum shows a few members of the media a countdown timer app on his phone. Barnum's son, Cooper, has set a countdown to the end of Barnum's 12-month contract (131 days, a few hours and some odd minutes remain). Laughter ensues. On a side note, the Vikings are picked to place ninth in the 13-team Big Sky Conference by league coaches, 12th by the media. Aug. 10, 2015: First practice. The Vikings are ready to go. Nobody has any idea what lies ahead for the PSU program. Aug. 28, 2015: Barnum settles the most watched drama of fall camp; who will be starting quarterback among a four-man competition JC transfer Alex Kuresa gets the job. Meanwhile, Barnum creates a new position: UQ, or utility quarterback. That role goes to Paris Penn, who throws, runs and receives. Josh Kraght, starter in three games in 2014, moves to wide receiver. Kieran McDonagh, who has 29 career starts, becomes the backup. Barnum's unique offensive style will reveal formations that include two, three and four quarterbacks at a time throughout the season. All four will throw, run and catch passes during the season.  Sept. 5, 2015: In his coaching debut, Barnum leads Portland State to arguably the biggest win in program history, a 24-17 defeat of Washington State in Pullman. The Vikings come from 10 points down at halftime to dominate the second half. BarnyBall is now borne to the masses. Sept. 12, 2015: Another surprise. Barnum leads the Vikings to a convincing 34-14 road win at nationally-ranked Idaho State to open the Big Sky Conference season. A personal victory for Barnum who spent nine seasons as an assistant in Pocatello and once tried to get the head coaching position there. BarnyBall is no fluke. Oct. 3, 2015: Portland State loses a nail-biter to North Dakota at home, 19-17. A big disappointment, but at 3-1 nobody is complaining about the Vikings. The question: How will they respond to their first adversity of the season Oct. 10, 2015: Question answered. Portland State routs North Texas of Conference USA, 66-7, marking the largest margin of victory by an FCS team over an FBS team in NCAA history. Early in the fourth quarter, with the Vikings ahead 59-0, Barnum inserts Mitch Thompson into the game. Thompson, the backup to the backup to the backup running back, takes his first carry up the middle, spins off two tacklers and breaks away from the field, sprinting 68 yards for his first career touchdown. Afterward, Barnum admits to having a tear in his eye following the play. PSU is now 2-0 against FBS programs for the first time ever in a season. The Vikings are 4-1 and ranked 17th in the nation. Oct. 14, 2015: Following morning practice, PSU Director of Athletics Mark Rountree announces to the team that Barnum has signed a five-year contract to be the Vikings Head Football Coach. The players celebrate, taking up the now common refrain on the Park Blocks, "BarnyBall!! BarnyBall!! BarnyBall!!" The Vikings have become a college football and media sensation. Oct. 17/24/31, 2015: Over the next three weeks, Portland State runs the gauntlet of its Big Sky Conference schedule ending three long losing streaks against powerhouse programs. PSU beats Montana State 59-42, Cal Poly 38-35, then Montana 35-16. That ends series' losing streaks to those programs of eight, three and eight games, respectively. The Vikings are now 7-1 and rise to 10th in the polls. Nov. 7, 2015: Portland State suffers its second loss of the season, again by a narrow margin in the final minute, 35-32, at Northern Colorado. Now 7-2, Portland State knows its needs to finish strong for its first shot at the NCAA Playoffs in 15 years. Nov. 14, 2015: Barnum leads the Vikings to another monumental win, 24-23, over first-place and previously undefeated Southern Utah. The winning score in the game comes on an old fashioned jump pass by former backup QB, now part-time fullback, Kieran McDonagh, to senior tight end Cam Thompson, who had never caught a TD pass in his career prior to the game. The play is representative of a "no star" team that has had a myriad of players excel throughout the year. With an eighth victory and ranked 11th the Vikings are almost assured a shot at the post-season now. Nov. 20, 2015: Barnum leads his program on the fourth leg of his "Americana Tour" that has included bus rides to Pullman, WA, Pocatello, ID, San Luis Obispo, CA, and now Cheney, WA. In all, the Vikings log 4,394 bus miles and approximately 80 hours round trip to those four destinations (PSU also flies on two road trips). The Americana Tour includes such things as dozens of on-bus movies, a stop to buy a lottery ticket on the way home from beating Washington State, a practice on Boise State's blue turf, a sight-seeing trip to Alcatraz (in which equipment manager Mike Haluska was left on the island but soon retrieved), and a midnight McDonald's run at a lonely truck stop in eastern Oregon.  Nov. 21, 2015: The Vikings meet up with another nemesis, the Eastern Washington Eagles, in Cheney. PSU beats the Eagles, 34-31, on their "inferno" turf, capturing the best regular season record ever at the Division I level (9-2, ranked 5th in the nation), ending another losing streak to the Eagles (three games), remaining perfect against nationally-ranked teams (5-0), winning the rivalry series with EWU (The Dam Cup) and locking in a sixth-seed to the NCAA playoffs and first-round bye. Nov. 24, 2015: Portland State's "no star" team has just one first team All-Big Sky Conference selection (with five second teamers and five third teamers). However, Alex Kuresa is named the Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year. Free safety Patrick Onwuasor, the nation's leader in interception, earns the first team nod and later becomes a finalist for National Defensive Player of the Year. Nov. 25, 2015: In some of the least surprising news to come out of the Big Sky Conference all year, Bruce Barnum is named the Big Sky's Coach of the Year in a vote by his peers. He is the first Viking football coach ever to earn that honor. Dec. 5, 2015: Portland State's storybook season comes to an end, losing to Northern Iowa, 29-17, at Providence Park. Despite the loss, Vikings fans begin the chant, "BarnyBall! BarnyBall!! BarnyBall!!!" in the closing moments of the game. Dec. 7, 2015: Bruce Barnum is named FCS National Coach of the Year in a vote by the nation's media. The announcement of Barnums new multi-year contract at PSU was made following practice on Oct. 14 to the Viking football team by Director of Athletics Mark Rountree. It was a popular selection as the team leapt to its feet, cheering, then began chanting Barny Ball, Barny Ball! - the teams slogan for its style play and a take-off on Barnums name. It is my privilege to announce that Portland State has signed Bruce Barnum to a multi-year contract, said Rountree. Coach Barnum has proven he can lead our team to compete at the highest levels, and is committed to developing student-athletes to be successful for the rest of their lives.    The search committee recognized his strong commitment to integrity and the holistic success of students, which is why he was the unanimous choice for the job. Bruce exemplifies Portland States identity of being fearless and determined, and I know he will have a huge impact on our campus and our community. Coach Barnum has made a huge difference in our athletics program in a very short time. His commitment to our student-athletes and Portland State is outstanding and we look forward to continued success, said PSU President Wim Wiewel. Barnum got quick results in 2015, leading his Vikings to a landmark 24-17 win over Washington State on Sept. 5 - the first-ever win by a PSU team over a Pac-12 team. Then on Sept. 12, the Vikings opened Big Sky Conference play with another road win, 34-14, over then-23rd ranked Idaho State. A 66-7 blowout victory over another FBS team, North Texas, shows how far the Viking team has come in one year.  Moreover, the Vikings showed dramatic improvements in areas where they had come up short in recent seasons, including improved turnover margin, fewer penalties, and a vastly upgraded defense.  When he was first named interim Head Coach - despite the short term - Barnum was more than happy to take it, fulfilling his long-held desire to be a head coach. It was I look at it like I have a 12-month interview, Barnum said at the time. This is a great opportunity to show what I can do as a Head Coach. And take advantage he did.... Barnum is the 14th head coach in the 70-year history of Portland State football and the fourth in PSUs 21-year history in the Big Sky Conference. His background of nearly three decades in coaching, including 15 years as a coordinator, has shown excellent results. When Barnum came to Portland State in 2010, he brought versatility and resiliency as the teams offensive coordinator. With a background based in strong passing games, he took the Pistol Offense, which is run-oriented, and created a dynamic attack for the Vikings. The result has been an offense that improved four straight seasons in total yards and total points and become one of the top producers in the nation annually. PSU averaged 355.2 yards per game of offense in 2009, the year before Barnum took over. That number grew over four seasons from 396.5 to 432.7 to 438.7 to 540.5. On the scoreboard, PSU averaged 21.1 prior to Barnums arrival. In the next four seasons it improved to 23.4, 32.9, 34.8 and 34.9 in 2013. In those four years, Barnum improved the Portland State offense by 185 yards and nearly 14 points per game. In 2011, Barnum led PSUs offense to the most yards and most points by a Viking team in a decade. Portland State averaged 247.8 rushing yards, 184.9 passing yards, 432.7 total yards and 32.9 points per game. The Vikings were eighth in the nation in rushing, 15th in total offense and 18th in scoring. PSUs numbers were up nearly 40 yards and more than nine points per game over the previous season. Even more impressive, Barnums offense accomplished all that after losing the nations top rusher, Cory McCaffrey, to injury after playing in only five games. His quarterback, Connor Kavanaugh, set new Portland State and Big Sky Conference records for rushing in a season (1,060) and a career (1,965). Of course, he bettered that in 2012. The offense was as balanced as you could hope for at 216.5 yards on the ground, 222.2 yards through the air, 438.7 total yards and 34.8 points per game overall. Nationally, PSU was 16th in rushing, 16th in total offense and 11th in scoring. PSU had its most yards of total offense in 11 years, best rushing average in 11 years (5.3 yards per game), most points per game in 13 years, and remarkably, allowed only seven sacks all season as the Vikings attempted 343 passes.  Considering Portland State had a new backfield with freshman quarterback Kieran McDonagh and top rusher DJ Adams, a junior transfer, the production was outstanding. McDonagh ended up as the most productive freshman quarterback in Portland State history (2,187 passing yards, 406 rushing yards, 23 total touchdowns). Adams (967 yards, 12 touchdowns) teamed with McDonagh and returners Shaq Richard (524 yards) and Justin Lilley (178 yards) for a dynamic rushing attack. McDonagh finished eighth in the voting for the Jerry Rice National Freshman of the Year Award.     In 2013, numerous Vikings offensive numbers were broken. The Vikings set new school records for total offense (6,486 yards), offense per game (540.5), rushing offense (3,330 yards), rushing offense per game (277.5) and rushing touchdowns (36) and maintained balance on the attack with 263.0 yards per game in the air, leading the nation in yards per completion (16.7). Portland State ranked third in the nation in total offense (first in the Big Sky) and third in rushing offense (second in the Big Sky). And, for the third time in four years, the Viking offense broke the school record for rushing. In addition, the Viking offense featured two of the top players in the Big Sky Conference in running back DJ Adams (1,600 yards, 19 TDs) and wide receiver Kasey Closs (63 receptions, 1,167 yards, 8 TDs). Portland State rushed for more than 2,000 rushing yards as a team for the sixth straight year in 2015 (3,007). It was the second time the team rushed for more than 3,000 yards under Barnum. PSU has rushed for more than 200 yards per game in each season. The top five rushing seasons in school history have come in the last five seasons (3,330 in 2013; 3,007 in 2015; 2,726 in 2011, 2,500 in 2014; 2,382 in 2012). Portland State led the Big Sky Conference in rushing two years in a row (2010 and 2011). With the addition of triple-option offense Cal Poly to the league, the Vikings were second in rushing in three of the next four years. During his tenure, Barnums offensive line has also been brilliant. In 2014, PSU led the Big Sky Conference with the fewest sacks allowed on the season (10) despite throwing 423 passes. PSU has allowed only 56 sacks over 58 games the last five seasons while throwing 1,651 passes. Most recently, Barnum was the offensive coordinator at Cornell, running a spread offense with the Big Red program from 2007-09. In 2008, five members of the Cornell offense earned All-Ivy League honors as the Big Red led the league in passing yards and ranked second in total offense. In 2007, Cornell scored the second-most points for the program in 58 years. Familiar with the Big Sky Conference as a 1987 graduate and player at Eastern Washington, Barnum coached at Idaho State from 1998-2006. He was the offensive coordinator for the Bengals for six seasons. Barnum had many successes with the ISU offense, averaging 30 points per game in 2001 and 2002. The Bengals were Big Sky Conference co-Champions with Montana in 2002. In 2003, the Bengal offense scored 394 points - second-most in school history - and ranked sixth in the nation in passing, 20th in scoring and 21st in total offense. In 2004, the Bengals threw for 3,611 yards - third-most in school history. In 2005, the team rushed for over 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns. Interestingly, Barnum also served on the defensive side of the ball at Idaho State. He was the ISU defensive coordinator in 2000, and worked with the defensive line in 1999 and 2000. Barnum began his career as a high school coach at Columbia River HS in Vancouver and Central Valley HS in Spokane. He moved on to be offensive line coach at Western Washington in 1989-90. Barnums first experience at Cornell came during the 1991 and 1992 seasons, working as an assistant offensive line coach and offensive coordinator for the freshman team. Barnum was an offensive line coach and run game coordinator at American International in 1993. He served as offensive line coach and assistant head coach at the United States Coast Guard Academy from 1994-97. That team won a Freedom Conference Championship, advancing to the NCAA III playoffs. 7th year at Portland State Hometown: Alma Mater: Playing Career: Date of Birth: Family: COACHING EXPERIENCE RECRUITING AREAS Out of state: 2015 HONORS FOR COACH BRUCE BARNUM STATS FCS National Coach of the Year Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year CSN Fabulous Fifty Coach of the Year 2015 was a remarkable year for Viking Football Coach Bruce Barnum. He went from interim Head Coach to FCS National Coach of the Year in just a few months. It was a meteoric rise founded on more than two decades of hard work as an assistant coach at the collegiate level.   Barnum led his Viking team on a remarkable journey in 2015 - the best-ever season at the Division I level for PSU - while making a remarkable journey of his own in his first season as a head football coach.  The Vikings' offensive coordinator for five seasons, Barnum was named interim Head Coach on Nov. 26, 2014. Within a week, he was given a one-year contract to run the program and no guarantees for the future. All Barnum did was take a 3-9 team that was an after-thought in the Big Sky Conference, as well as the city of Portland, and turn it one of the best teams in the nation. He accomplished that with virtually the same roster as 2014, save one key addition; quarterback . Barnum guided PSU to a 9-3 record in 2015 - its best record ever at the Division I level. The Vikings beat two FBS programs in the same season for the first time in their history, including a first-ever win over a Pac-12 team. PSU went 5-1 against nationally-ranked teams and was ranked as high as fifth in the nation at the end of the season.  The Vikings made their first appearance in the NCAA playoffs in 15 years, just their second ever, and hosted a Division I playoff game for the first time. PSU lost to Northern Iowa of the powerhouse Missouri Valley Conference, 29-17, but that didn't diminish a magical fall on the Park Blocks for the Viking team. Most of all, using his "BarnyBall" style of tough, hard-nosed fundamental football sprinkled with remarkable team chemistry and unity, Barnum made Portland State football relevant again in the city of Portland, in the Big Sky Conference and on the national scene. On Nov. 25, Barnum became the first Viking football coach ever selected as Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year. One week later has was named FCS Coach of the Year in a vote of media members from around the nation. One Year Of BarnyBall Nov. 26, 2014: Barnum is named Portland State's interim head coach when previous Head Coach Nigel Burton is relieved of his duties. Dec. 2, 2014: Barnum is given a 12-month contract as Head Coach - due in part to the fact that Portland State was still in the search process for a new Director of Athletics. "I look at it as a 12-month interview. This is a great opportunity to show what I can do as a Head Coach," said Barnum. Still, following a 3-9 season, expectations are not high for the Vikings. Feb. 5, 2015: Barnum and his staff complete their signing class for 2015. Included is former Utah State High School Player of the Year and Mr. Football, Alex Kuresa, via BYU and Snow Junior College. Mar. 31, 2015: Spring football practice begins. Barnum introduces his team to his style of coaching, practicing and team play. The Vikings take a business-like approach, but have a noticeably lighter, more enthusiastic, spirited air about the program. BarnyBall is born. July 21, 2015: Barnum meets the Big Sky Conference press for the first time at the league's preseason kickoff event. Proving his easy-going manner, Barnum shows a few members of the media a countdown timer app on his phone. Barnum's son, Cooper, has set a countdown to the end of Barnum's 12-month contract (131 days, a few hours and some odd minutes remain). Laughter ensues. On a side note, the Vikings are picked to place ninth in the 13-team Big Sky Conference by league coaches, 12th by the media. Aug. 10, 2015: First practice. The Vikings are ready to go. Nobody has any idea what lies ahead for the PSU program. Aug. 28, 2015: Barnum settles the most watched drama of fall camp; who will be starting quarterback among a four-man competition JC transfer Alex Kuresa gets the job. Meanwhile, Barnum creates a new position: UQ, or utility quarterback. That role goes to Paris Penn, who throws, runs and receives. Josh Kraght, starter in three games in 2014, moves to wide receiver. Kieran McDonagh, who has 29 career starts, becomes the backup. Barnum's unique offensive style will reveal formations that include two, three and four quarterbacks at a time throughout the season. All four will throw, run and catch passes during the season.  Sept. 5, 2015: In his coaching debut, Barnum leads Portland State to arguably the biggest win in program history, a 24-17 defeat of Washington State in Pullman. The Vikings come from 10 points down at halftime to dominate the second half. BarnyBall is now borne to the masses. Sept. 12, 2015: Another surprise. Barnum leads the Vikings to a convincing 34-14 road win at nationally-ranked Idaho State to open the Big Sky Conference season. A personal victory for Barnum who spent nine seasons as an assistant in Pocatello and once tried to get the head coaching position there. BarnyBall is no fluke. Oct. 3, 2015: Portland State loses a nail-biter to North Dakota at home, 19-17. A big disappointment, but at 3-1 nobody is complaining about the Vikings. The question: How will they respond to their first adversity of the season Oct. 10, 2015: Question answered. Portland State routs North Texas of Conference USA, 66-7, marking the largest margin of victory by an FCS team over an FBS team in NCAA history. Early in the fourth quarter, with the Vikings ahead 59-0, Barnum inserts Mitch Thompson into the game. Thompson, the backup to the backup to the backup running back, takes his first carry up the middle, spins off two tacklers and breaks away from the field, sprinting 68 yards for his first career touchdown. Afterward, Barnum admits to having a tear in his eye following the play. PSU is now 2-0 against FBS programs for the first time ever in a season. The Vikings are 4-1 and ranked 17th in the nation. Oct. 14, 2015: Following morning practice, PSU Director of Athletics Mark Rountree announces to the team that Barnum has signed a five-year contract to be the Vikings Head Football Coach. The players celebrate, taking up the now common refrain on the Park Blocks, "BarnyBall!! BarnyBall!! BarnyBall!!" The Vikings have become a college football and media sensation. Oct. 17/24/31, 2015: Over the next three weeks, Portland State runs the gauntlet of its Big Sky Conference schedule ending three long losing streaks against powerhouse programs. PSU beats Montana State 59-42, Cal Poly 38-35, then Montana 35-16. That ends series' losing streaks to those programs of eight, three and eight games, respectively. The Vikings are now 7-1 and rise to 10th in the polls. Nov. 7, 2015: Portland State suffers its second loss of the season, again by a narrow margin in the final minute, 35-32, at Northern Colorado. Now 7-2, Portland State knows its needs to finish strong for its first shot at the NCAA Playoffs in 15 years. Nov. 14, 2015: Barnum leads the Vikings to another monumental win, 24-23, over first-place and previously undefeated Southern Utah. The winning score in the game comes on an old fashioned jump pass by former backup QB, now part-time fullback, Kieran McDonagh, to senior tight end Cam Thompson, who had never caught a TD pass in his career prior to the game. The play is representative of a "no star" team that has had a myriad of players excel throughout the year. With an eighth victory and ranked 11th the Vikings are almost assured a shot at the post-season now. Nov. 20, 2015: Barnum leads his program on the fourth leg of his "Americana Tour" that has included bus rides to Pullman, WA, Pocatello, ID, San Luis Obispo, CA, and now Cheney, WA. In all, the Vikings log 4,394 bus miles and approximately 80 hours round trip to those four destinations (PSU also flies on two road trips). The Americana Tour includes such things as dozens of on-bus movies, a stop to buy a lottery ticket on the way home from beating Washington State, a practice on Boise State's blue turf, a sight-seeing trip to Alcatraz (in which equipment manager Mike Haluska was left on the island but soon retrieved), and a midnight McDonald's run at a lonely truck stop in eastern Oregon.  Nov. 21, 2015: The Vikings meet up with another nemesis, the Eastern Washington Eagles, in Cheney. PSU beats the Eagles, 34-31, on their "inferno" turf, capturing the best regular season record ever at the Division I level (9-2, ranked 5th in the nation), ending another losing streak to the Eagles (three games), remaining perfect against nationally-ranked teams (5-0), winning the rivalry series with EWU (The Dam Cup) and locking in a sixth-seed to the NCAA playoffs and first-round bye. Nov. 24, 2015: Portland State's "no star" team has just one first team All-Big Sky Conference selection (with five second teamers and five third teamers). However, Alex Kuresa is named the Big Sky Conference Newcomer of the Year. Free safety Patrick Onwuasor, the nation's leader in interception, earns the first team nod and later becomes a finalist for National Defensive Player of the Year. Nov. 25, 2015: In some of the least surprising news to come out of the Big Sky Conference all year, Bruce Barnum is named the Big Sky's Coach of the Year in a vote by his peers. He is the first Viking football coach ever to earn that honor. Dec. 5, 2015: Portland State's storybook season comes to an end, losing to Northern Iowa, 29-17, at Providence Park. Despite the loss, Vikings fans begin the chant, "BarnyBall! BarnyBall!! BarnyBall!!!" in the closing moments of the game. Dec. 7, 2015: Bruce Barnum is named FCS National Coach of the Year in a vote by the nation's media. The announcement of Barnums new multi-year contract at PSU was made following practice on Oct. 14 to the Viking football team by Director of Athletics Mark Rountree. It was a popular selection as the team leapt to its feet, cheering, then began chanting Barny Ball, Barny Ball! - the teams slogan for its style play and a take-off on Barnums name. It is my privilege to announce that Portland State has signed Bruce Barnum to a multi-year contract, said Rountree. Coach Barnum has proven he can lead our team to compete at the highest levels, and is committed to developing student-athletes to be successful for the rest of their lives.    The search committee recognized his strong commitment to integrity and the holistic success of students, which is why he was the unanimous choice for the job. Bruce exemplifies Portland States identity of being fearless and determined, and I know he will have a huge impact on our campus and our community. Coach Barnum has made a huge difference in our athletics program in a very short time. His commitment to our student-athletes and Portland State is outstanding and we look forward to continued success, said PSU President Wim Wiewel. Barnum got quick results in 2015, leading his Vikings to a landmark 24-17 win over Washington State on Sept. 5 - the first-ever win by a PSU team over a Pac-12 team. Then on Sept. 12, the Vikings opened Big Sky Conference play with another road win, 34-14, over then-23rd ranked Idaho State. A 66-7 blowout victory over another FBS team, North Texas, shows how far the Viking team has come in one year.  Moreover, the Vikings showed dramatic improvements in areas where they had come up short in recent seasons, including improved turnover margin, fewer penalties, and a vastly upgraded defense.  When he was first named interim Head Coach - despite the short term - Barnum was more than happy to take it, fulfilling his long-held desire to be a head coach. It was I look at it like I have a 12-month interview, Barnum said at the time. This is a great opportunity to show what I can do as a Head Coach. And take advantage he did.... Barnum is the 14th head coach in the 70-year history of Portland State football and the fourth in PSUs 21-year history in the Big Sky Conference. His background of nearly three decades in coaching, including 15 years as a coordinator, has shown excellent results. When Barnum came to Portland State in 2010, he brought versatility and resiliency as the teams offensive coordinator. With a background based in strong passing games, he took the Pistol Offense, which is run-oriented, and created a dynamic attack for the Vikings. The result has been an offense that improved four straight seasons in total yards and total points and become one of the top producers in the nation annually. PSU averaged 355.2 yards per game of offense in 2009, the year before Barnum took over. That number grew over four seasons from 396.5 to 432.7 to 438.7 to 540.5. On the scoreboard, PSU averaged 21.1 prior to Barnums arrival. In the next four seasons it improved to 23.4, 32.9, 34.8 and 34.9 in 2013. In those four years, Barnum improved the Portland State offense by 185 yards and nearly 14 points per game. In 2011, Barnum led PSUs offense to the most yards and most points by a Viking team in a decade. Portland State averaged 247.8 rushing yards, 184.9 passing yards, 432.7 total yards and 32.9 points per game. The Vikings were eighth in the nation in rushing, 15th in total offense and 18th in scoring. PSUs numbers were up nearly 40 yards and more than nine points per game over the previous season. Even more impressive, Barnums offense accomplished all that after losing the nations top rusher, Cory McCaffrey, to injury after playing in only five games. His quarterback, Connor Kavanaugh, set new Portland State and Big Sky Conference records for rushing in a season (1,060) and a career (1,965). Of course, he bettered that in 2012. The offense was as balanced as you could hope for at 216.5 yards on the ground, 222.2 yards through the air, 438.7 total yards and 34.8 points per game overall. Nationally, PSU was 16th in rushing, 16th in total offense and 11th in scoring. PSU had its most yards of total offense in 11 years, best rushing average in 11 years (5.3 yards per game), most points per game in 13 years, and remarkably, allowed only seven sacks all season as the Vikings attempted 343 passes.  Considering Portland State had a new backfield with freshman quarterback Kieran McDonagh and top rusher DJ Adams, a junior transfer, the production was outstanding. McDonagh ended up as the most productive freshman quarterback in Portland State history (2,187 passing yards, 406 rushing yards, 23 total touchdowns). Adams (967 yards, 12 touchdowns) teamed with McDonagh and returners Shaq Richard (524 yards) and Justin Lilley (178 yards) for a dynamic rushing attack. McDonagh finished eighth in the voting for the Jerry Rice National Freshman of the Year Award.     In 2013, numerous Vikings offensive numbers were broken. The Vikings set new school records for total offense (6,486 yards), offense per game (540.5), rushing offense (3,330 yards), rushing offense per game (277.5) and rushing touchdowns (36) and maintained balance on the attack with 263.0 yards per game in the air, leading the nation in yards per completion (16.7). Portland State ranked third in the nation in total offense (first in the Big Sky) and third in rushing offense (second in the Big Sky). And, for the third time in four years, the Viking offense broke the school record for rushing. In addition, the Viking offense featured two of the top players in the Big Sky Conference in running back DJ Adams (1,600 yards, 19 TDs) and wide receiver Kasey Closs (63 receptions, 1,167 yards, 8 TDs). Portland State rushed for more than 2,000 rushing yards as a team for the sixth straight year in 2015 (3,007). It was the second time the team rushed for more than 3,000 yards under Barnum. PSU has rushed for more than 200 yards per game in each season. The top five rushing seasons in school history have come in the last five seasons (3,330 in 2013; 3,007 in 2015; 2,726 in 2011, 2,500 in 2014; 2,382 in 2012). Portland State led the Big Sky Conference in rushing two years in a row (2010 and 2011). With the addition of triple-option offense Cal Poly to the league, the Vikings were second in rushing in three of the next four years. During his tenure, Barnums offensive line has also been brilliant. In 2014, PSU led the Big Sky Conference with the fewest sacks allowed on the season (10) despite throwing 423 passes. PSU has allowed only 56 sacks over 58 games the last five seasons while throwing 1,651 passes. Most recently, Barnum was the offensive coordinator at Cornell, running a spread offense with the Big Red program from 2007-09. In 2008, five members of the Cornell offense earned All-Ivy League honors as the Big Red led the league in passing yards and ranked second in total offense. In 2007, Cornell scored the second-most points for the program in 58 years. Familiar with the Big Sky Conference as a 1987 graduate and player at Eastern Washington, Barnum coached at Idaho State from 1998-2006. He was the offensive coordinator for the Bengals for six seasons. Barnum had many successes with the ISU offense, averaging 30 points per game in 2001 and 2002. The Bengals were Big Sky Conference co-Champions with Montana in 2002. In 2003, the Bengal offense scored 394 points - second-most in school history - and ranked sixth in the nation in passing, 20th in scoring and 21st in total offense. In 2004, the Bengals threw for 3,611 yards - third-most in school history. In 2005, the team rushed for over 1,700 yards and 23 touchdowns. Interestingly, Barnum also served on the defensive side of the ball at Idaho State. He was the ISU defensive coordinator in 2000, and worked with the defensive line in 1999 and 2000. Barnum began his career as a high school coach at Columbia River HS in Vancouver and Central Valley HS in Spokane. He moved on to be offensive line coach at Western Washington in 1989-90. Barnums first experience at Cornell came during the 1991 and 1992 seasons, working as an assistant offensive line coach and offensive coordinator for the freshman team. Barnum was an offensive line coach and run game coordinator at American International in 1993. He served as offensive line coach and assistant head coach at the United States Coast Guard Academy from 1994-97. That team won a Freedom Conference Championship, advancing to the NCAA III playoffs. 7th year at Portland State Hometown: Alma Mater: Playing Career: Date of Birth: Family: COACHING EXPERIENCE RECRUITING AREAS Out of state: THE BRUCE BARNUM FILE

Grant Torgerson was one Head Coach Chris Fisk's first hires when he came to Portland State. He named Torgerson as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator of the Vikings program. Torgerson will work specifically with the linebacker position.   Torgerson joins Fisk on the Park Blocks after working with him at Central Washington for the past eight seasons. A native of Oregon City, Torgerson returns home with his new role at Portland State.   Torgerson began at CWU as a defensive line coach in 2018 and was promoted to Defensive Coordinator in 2023. While in charge of the Wildcats defense, Torgerson led his players to 25 All-Conference honors with 10 special honors including two Defensive Players of the Year and Academic Player of the Year.   “Getting Grant back to the Portland area is a homecoming for him. He is a tremendous young defensive coach, but also has a tremendous amount of experience in a short amount of time,” said Fisk. “The kids will enjoy his enthusiasm for the game.”   In 2025, Torgerson’s Central Washington defense led the Lone Star Conference in scoring defense and rushing defense and ranked second in total defense. The 2024 squad led in scoring defense, rushing defense, passing defense and total defense, ranking second in the nation at the NCAA II level.   Prior to his time at Central Washington, Torgerson spent seven seasons at Southern Oregon. The first five years he was a member of the team and a four-year starter at long snapper. Torgerson then moved into an assistant coaching role. He helped lead the Raiders to back-to-back NAIA National Championship appearances as they won the 2014 title.   Torgerson earned a degree in Communications from Southern Oregon in 2016 while serving as a student assistant coach. In 2017, he was promoted to defensive line coach. That season, the Raiders led all of NAIA with 61 sacks, including 35 from the defensive line.   Torgerson is married, and his wife, Olivia, was a former Central Washington soccer player.   GRANT TORGERSON COACHING RESUME 2024-25           Central Washington, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 2018-23           Central Washington, Defensive Line 2016-17           Southern Oregon, Defensive Line    

Leunen will begin his fifth season on the Viking coach staff in 2016. He has coached tight ends and tackles during his tenure - the two positions he played as an undergraduate for the Vikings. Both of Leunens starting tackles earned All-Big Sky Conference honors in 2015. Kyle Smith was named second team All-Big Sky and Mike Davis earned third team. Leunen will need to replace those two for 2016. Leunen was an assistant coach at PSU from 2011-13, was away from the program for a year, then hired back by Bruce Barnum in 2015.  BACKGROUND Leunens first coaching stint at PSU was 2011-13, when he coached tight ends. It came after spending the 2010 season as tight ends coach at Pacific University. Leunen was a member of the Viking program from 2005-09. He started his career as a tight end, but moved to offensive tackle in 2007 when the tight-end-less Run-and-Shoot offense was installed. Leunen started at right tackle for two seasons on an offense that led the nation in passing. He was selected as an Honorable Mention All-Big Sky Conference performer in 2009. An Oregon native, Leunen was a standout football and basketball player at Redmond High School, earning First Team All-Intermountain Conference and Second Team All-State honors at both tight end and punter. Leunen earned his degree in Social Science from Portland State in 2010. Redmond, OR Portland State, 2010, Social Science Portland State, 2005-09, tight end/offensive tackle June 20, 1987  Intermountain, Columbia River, Greater Oregon and Eastern Oregon  Eastern Washington and Idaho 2015-16    Portland State, Tight Ends, Tackles 2011-13   Portland State, Tight Ends 2010    Pacific, Tight Ends   Matt Leunen Tight Ends/Tackles Matt Leunen will begin his fifth season on the Viking coach staff in 2016. He has coached tight ends and tackles during his tenure - the two positions he played as an undergraduate for the Vikings. Both of Leunens starting tackles earned All-Big Sky Conference honors in 2015. Kyle Smith was named second team All-Big Sky and Mike Davis earned third team. Leunen will need to replace those two for 2016. Leunen was an assistant coach at PSU from 2011-13, was away from the program for a year, then hired back by Bruce Barnum in 2015.  BACKGROUND Leunens first coaching stint at PSU was 2011-13, when he coached tight ends. It came after spending the 2010 season as tight ends coach at Pacific University. Leunen was a member of the Viking program from 2005-09. He started his career as a tight end, but moved to offensive tackle in 2007 when the tight-end-less Run-and-Shoot offense was installed. Leunen started at right tackle for two seasons on an offense that led the nation in passing. He was selected as an Honorable Mention All-Big Sky Conference performer in 2009. An Oregon native, Leunen was a standout football and basketball player at Redmond High School, earning First Team All-Intermountain Conference and Second Team All-State honors at both tight end and punter. Leunen earned his degree in Social Science from Portland State in 2010. Redmond, OR Portland State, 2010, Social Science Portland State, 2005-09, tight end/offensive tackle June 20, 1987  Intermountain, Columbia River, Greater Oregon and Eastern Oregon  Eastern Washington and Idaho 2015-16    Portland State, Tight Ends, Tackles 2011-13   Portland State, Tight Ends 2010    Pacific, Tight Ends   THE MATT LEUNEN FILE 5th year at Portland State Hometown:

Portland State Football Coach Chris Fisk has named Nick Kernaghan as a Defensive Quality Control Coach for the Vikings program. He will assist with coaching the defensive line.   Kernaghan comes to PSU after three seasons at Linfield where he coached linebackers.   “Nick is a fantastic young defensive line coach who is starting out his career,” said Fisk. “He has been around some really good programs as a young coach and we are excited to welcome him to Portland State.”   Kernaghan is a 2021 graduate of Southern Oregon. He spent five seasons in the program and was a member of the 2017 Frontier Conference Championship team, and as a senior was a team captain and named the team’s Most inspirational Player. Following graduation, Kernaghan spent the 2022 season as the Raiders Defensive Line Coach.   NICK KERNAGHAN COACHING EXPERIENCE 2023-25 Linfield, Linebackers 2022     Southern Oregon, Defensive Line            

Caleb Moore was named as the new Wide Receivers Coach at Portland State in January 2026 by Head Coach Chris Fisk. Moore had spent the past two seasons as an offensive assistant at the University of Arizona.   “Caleb has a lot of experience at a young age at the FBS level and lower levels,” said Fisk. “He is a tremendous recruiter and will be a huge asset for us in getting the right personnel to Portland State.”   Moore was an assistant wide receivers coach at Georgia Southern for two seasons (2023-24). Prior to that he was an offensive graduate assistant at Arizona State (2022-23) and running backs and offensive line coach at Wisconsin-Whitewater (2021-22).   Moore gained his first experience with the Green Bay Packers in 2021 under the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Fellowship.   A graduate of Lake Forest College in 2021, Moore played quarterback for the Foresters program.   CALEB MOORE COACHING EXPERIENCE 2024-25         Arizona, Offensive Assistant 2023-24         Georgia Southern, Assistant Wide Receivers 2022-23         Arizona State, Offensive Graduate Assistant 2021-22         Wisconsin-Whitewater, Running Backs/Offensive Line      

Kiante Goudeau was named the new Cornerbacks Coach at Portland State in January by Head Coach Chris Fisk.   Goudeau comes to PSU after a season as an assistant coach at Montana State, where the Bobcat program won the Division I FCS National Championship. He was an Assistant Defensive Backs Coach at MSU.   Goudeau worked with Fisk at Central Washington during the spring football season of 2024.   “Kiante comes in with a wealth of experience from FBS as well as being with a national championship team at the FCS level,” said Fisk. “It is exciting to have someone who knows what that looks like and we are glad to have him at Portland State.”   Other coaching credits for Goudeau include a season at Wyoming as a Defensive Graduate Assistant (2024), a season as Defensive Coordinator at Compton College (2022) and two seasons as Defensive Backs Coach at Nogales High School in California (2020-21).   A native of Los Angeles, Goudeau was a CIF Champion at Edison High School. He competed at Long Beach City College in 2014-15, then played two seasons at Minot State in North Dakota, where he earned All-Conference honors.   KIANTE GOUDEAU COACHING EXPERIENCE 2025    Montana State, Assistant Defensive Backs 2024    Wyoming, Defensive Graduate Assistant 2024    Central Washington, Defensive Backs (spring) 2022    Compton College, Defensive Coordinator 2020-21  Nogales (CA) High School, Defensive Backs      

Dominick Mazotti was named Tight Ends Coach for the Portland State Football program in January.   “Dominick has tremendous experience as a player at the tight end position,” Fisk said. “He has a great relationship with our program and I will be excited to see what he does with this tight end group.”   Mazotti spent the 2025 season as an Offensive Analyst at Mercyhurst, an FCS program in the Northeastern Conference. Prior to that, Mazotti played four seasons of football at San Jose State and one season at UMass (2024). He was an honorable mention All-Mountain West Conference selection and Academic All-Conference honoree at SJSU while playing for new Vikings Offensive Line Coach Alex Kastens. During his career, he caught 75 passes for 930 yards and six touchdowns.   Mazotti is originally from Pleasanton, CA. He earned an undergraduate degree from San Jose State with a Masters degree from University of Massachusetts.   DOMINICK MAZOTTI COACHING EXPERIENCE 2025    Mercyhurst, Offensive Analyst    

Cooper Nocera was selected to new Head Coach Chris Fisk's staff to serve as Video Coordinator. Nocera comes to PSU after working as a video coordinator at Boise State. He began as a student assistant in the program before earning a degree at Boise State in 2024. He continued to work with the program through the 2025 season. Nocera is a native of Apple Valley, CA.

Elys transition back to the defensive side of the ball in 2015 was met with great success. Ely played a primary role in elevating the play of safety Patrick Onwuasor, who went from no honors in 2014 to first team All-Big Sky Conference, consensus All-American and second in National Defensive Player of the Year balloting in 2015. He also led Walter Santiago to honorable mention All-Big Sky honors. In addition, in 2015 the Viking defense doubled the number of turnovers forced (14 to 28), allowed 90 fewer passing yards per game, and cut nearly 12 points per game allowed. Now in his seventh season at Portland State, Ely previously coached special teams and running backs. But Head Coach Bruce Barnum transitioned him to defense where he has spent the majority of his 25+year career. Ely has also taken on the important role of recruiting coordinator for Coach Barnum. Ely had great success working with Viking running backs in recent seasons. PSU rushed for more than 2,000 yards in each season he coached the position.  The Vikings rushed for exactly 2,500 yards in 2014 with big contributions from Steven Long, Shaquille Richard and Nate Tago. DJ Adams rushed for 1,600 yards (fourth-best in school history) in 2013 while leading a Viking running game to school records of 3,330 yards, 36 touchdowns and 6.0 yards per carry in 2013.  Portland States rushing average of 277.7 yards per game that season marked the third time in four seasons that the Viking program had established a new record. It also ranked third-best in the nation. In 2012, PSU averaged 216.5 rushing yards per game and, though the yardage was down from a then-school-record 247.8 yards per game in 2011, the Vikings carried the ball 90 fewer times and thus had a higher yard-per-carry average (5.3 to 5.0). Elys first year as running backs coach in 2011 was challenged by player injuries. But the remarkable production from his backs couldnt have been better. His star, Cory McCaffrey, went from leading the nation in rushing (731 yards in five games) to out for the season with a torn achilles. And, though Willie Griffin and Shaquille Richard also battled injuries, he had them ready when needed. Richard rushed for 90 yards in his first career start at TCU. Griffin went for 84 yards in his first start at Eastern Washington. Even Denzel Davis, who moved over from cornerback on game week because of numerous injuries, rushed for 76 yards in a primary role in the season finale. In the end, it was about production. And Ely got it from a group of running backs as the Viking team set a then-school record for rushing yards (2,726 yards) in 2011. Prior to coaching running backs at PSU, Ely spent his first year working as special teams coordinator. He coached two of the most talented specialists in the Big Sky Conference in 2010 in kicker Zach Brown and punter Thomas Duyndam. Brown went on to hold virtually every kicking record at PSU and was a consensus first team All-American in 2011. Duyndam had the third-best punting average in school history and ranked 11th in the nation at 42.6 yards per punt in 2010. BACKGROUND A long-time coach in the Pacific Northwest, Ely came to Portland State after two years as the defensive coordinator at Southern Oregon. He served two stints at Western Washington University, the latest from 1999 through 2005 as the Defensive Coordinator. WWU was 43-29 during that span and conference champions four times. The Vikings also reached the NCAA II Playoffs in 1999. Elys other stint at Western Washington was 1989-91. Ely was linebackers coach, then defensive coordinator at Idaho State in 1997-98. He worked with PSU Offensive Coordinator Bruce Barnum while at ISU. Ely also spent three years at San Diego State and two years at Washington State. While at WSU, the Cougars went to the Copper Bowl under the leadership of quarterback Drew Bledsoe. A linebacker at Western Washington from 1985-87, Ely was named Special Teams Most Valuable Player twice. He has a degree from WWU in Physical Education. THE JOHN ELY FILE 7th year at Portland State Hometown: Anaheim, CA Alma Mater: Western Washington, 87, Physical Education Playing Experience: linebacker, Western Washington, 1985-87 Date of Birth: July 22, 1965 Family: Wife, Denise; daughters Lola (9) and Ava (7) COACHING EXPERIENCE 2010-16    Portland State, Safeties/Recruiting Coordinator (2015-16)/Running Backs (2011-14)/Special Teams Coordinator (2010) 2008-09    Southern Oregon, Defensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator 2006-07    Mountain Ridge (AZ) High School, Defensive Backs 1999-05    Western Washington, Defensive Coordinator 1997-98    Idaho State, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 1994-96    San Diego State, Graduate Assistant/Secondary 1992-93    Washington State,  Recruiting Coordinator/Video Coordinator    1989-91    Western Washington, Wide Receivers     Metro  Orange County CA, San Diego   ALL-BIG SKY CONFERENCE VIKINGS UNDER JOHN ELY 2010 - SPECIAL TEAMS HM: K Zach Brown, P Thomas Duyndam 2011 - RUNNING BACKS 1st team: RB Cory McCaffrey 2012 - RUNNING BACKS HM: RB DJ Adams 2013 - RUNNING BACKS 1st team: RB DJ Adams (All-American) 2014 - RUNNING BACKS HM: Steven Long 2015 - SAFETIES 1st team: Patrick Onwuasor, S (All-American) HM: Walter Santiago, S John Ely Safeties/Recruiting Coordinator John Elys transition back to the defensive side of the ball in 2015 was met with great success. Ely played a primary role in elevating the play of safety Patrick Onwuasor, who went from no honors in 2014 to first team All-Big Sky Conference, consensus All-American and second in National Defensive Player of the Year balloting in 2015. He also led Walter Santiago to honorable mention All-Big Sky honors. In addition, in 2015 the Viking defense doubled the number of turnovers forced (14 to 28), allowed 90 fewer passing yards per game, and cut nearly 12 points per game allowed. Now in his seventh season at Portland State, Ely previously coached special teams and running backs. But Head Coach Bruce Barnum transitioned him to defense where he has spent the majority of his 25+year career. Ely has also taken on the important role of recruiting coordinator for Coach Barnum. Ely had great success working with Viking running backs in recent seasons. PSU rushed for more than 2,000 yards in each season he coached the position.  The Vikings rushed for exactly 2,500 yards in 2014 with big contributions from Steven Long, Shaquille Richard and Nate Tago. DJ Adams rushed for 1,600 yards (fourth-best in school history) in 2013 while leading a Viking running game to school records of 3,330 yards, 36 touchdowns and 6.0 yards per carry in 2013.  Portland States rushing average of 277.7 yards per game that season marked the third time in four seasons that the Viking program had established a new record. It also ranked third-best in the nation. In 2012, PSU averaged 216.5 rushing yards per game and, though the yardage was down from a then-school-record 247.8 yards per game in 2011, the Vikings carried the ball 90 fewer times and thus had a higher yard-per-carry average (5.3 to 5.0). Elys first year as running backs coach in 2011 was challenged by player injuries. But the remarkable production from his backs couldnt have been better. His star, Cory McCaffrey, went from leading the nation in rushing (731 yards in five games) to out for the season with a torn achilles. And, though Willie Griffin and Shaquille Richard also battled injuries, he had them ready when needed. Richard rushed for 90 yards in his first career start at TCU. Griffin went for 84 yards in his first start at Eastern Washington. Even Denzel Davis, who moved over from cornerback on game week because of numerous injuries, rushed for 76 yards in a primary role in the season finale. In the end, it was about production. And Ely got it from a group of running backs as the Viking team set a then-school record for rushing yards (2,726 yards) in 2011. Prior to coaching running backs at PSU, Ely spent his first year working as special teams coordinator. He coached two of the most talented specialists in the Big Sky Conference in 2010 in kicker Zach Brown and punter Thomas Duyndam. Brown went on to hold virtually every kicking record at PSU and was a consensus first team All-American in 2011. Duyndam had the third-best punting average in school history and ranked 11th in the nation at 42.6 yards per punt in 2010. BACKGROUND A long-time coach in the Pacific Northwest, Ely came to Portland State after two years as the defensive coordinator at Southern Oregon. He served two stints at Western Washington University, the latest from 1999 through 2005 as the Defensive Coordinator. WWU was 43-29 during that span and conference champions four times. The Vikings also reached the NCAA II Playoffs in 1999. Elys other stint at Western Washington was 1989-91. Ely was linebackers coach, then defensive coordinator at Idaho State in 1997-98. He worked with PSU Offensive Coordinator Bruce Barnum while at ISU. Ely also spent three years at San Diego State and two years at Washington State. While at WSU, the Cougars went to the Copper Bowl under the leadership of quarterback Drew Bledsoe. A linebacker at Western Washington from 1985-87, Ely was named Special Teams Most Valuable Player twice. He has a degree from WWU in Physical Education. THE JOHN ELY FILE 7th year at Portland State Hometown: Anaheim, CA Alma Mater: Western Washington, 87, Physical Education Playing Experience: linebacker, Western Washington, 1985-87 Date of Birth: July 22, 1965 Family: Wife, Denise; daughters Lola (9) and Ava (7) COACHING EXPERIENCE 2010-16    Portland State, Safeties/Recruiting Coordinator (2015-16)/Running Backs (2011-14)/Special Teams Coordinator (2010) 2008-09    Southern Oregon, Defensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator 2006-07    Mountain Ridge (AZ) High School, Defensive Backs 1999-05    Western Washington, Defensive Coordinator 1997-98    Idaho State, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers 1994-96    San Diego State, Graduate Assistant/Secondary 1992-93    Washington State,  Recruiting Coordinator/Video Coordinator    1989-91    Western Washington, Wide Receivers     Metro  Orange County CA, San Diego   ALL-BIG SKY CONFERENCE VIKINGS UNDER JOHN ELY 2010 - SPECIAL TEAMS HM: K Zach Brown, P Thomas Duyndam 2011 - RUNNING BACKS 1st team: RB Cory McCaffrey 2012 - RUNNING BACKS HM: RB DJ Adams 2013 - RUNNING BACKS 1st team: RB DJ Adams (All-American) 2014 - RUNNING BACKS HM: Steven Long 2015 - SAFETIES 1st team: Patrick Onwuasor, S (All-American) HM: Walter Santiago, S THE JOHN ELY FILE 7th year at Portland State Hometown:

Patterson was hired at Portland State in 2015, he was the youngest (22) Division I football coach in the country. Patterson is now a veteran at 24 and beginning his second season at Portland State.  Patterson, along with Matt Leunen, had a successful year working with the Viking offensive line as PSUs running game was once again dominant, gaining over 3,000 yards. Four Viking starters earned All-Big Sky Conference honors. Tackle Kyle Smith was named second team, tackle Mike Davis and guard/center Cam Keizur were named to the third team, and guard Randin Crecelius earned honorable mention. BACKGROUND Patterson played offensive line at the University of Texas-El Paso from 2011-12. He was named to the Conference USA Honor Roll in 2012. Due to knee injuries and four surgeries he had to retire from collegiate football. However, Patterson became a student assistant under Mike Price at UTEP. He assisted with recruiting, doing film breakdown and player reports, and also did UTEP game film breakdown. In 2014, Patterson served as a volunteer assistant coach at Jefferson High School in El Paso. Patterson starred at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas earning All-League and All-State honors. His team won back-to-back state titles. He comes from a coaching family as his father, Andre, has coached 11 years in the NFL (currently with the Minnesota Vikings) and 14 years collegiately. Viking Coach Bruce Barnum was hired to his first stint at Cornell (1991-92) by Andre Patterson and has known AC his entire life. BACKGROUND Patterson played offensive line at the University of Texas-El Paso from 2011-12. He was named to the Conference USA Honor Roll in 2012. Due to knee injuries and four surgeries he had to retire from collegiate football. However, Patterson became a student assistant under Mike Price at UTEP. He assisted with recruiting, doing film breakdown and player reports, and also did UTEP game film breakdown. In 2014, Patterson served as a volunteer assistant coach at Jefferson High School in El Paso. Patterson starred at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas earning All-League and All-State honors. His team won back-to-back state titles. He comes from a coaching family as his father, Andre, has coached 11 years in the NFL (currently with the Minnesota Vikings) and 14 years collegiately. Viking Coach Bruce Barnum was hired to his first stint at Cornell (1991-92) by Andre Patterson and has known AC his entire life. Feature story on Coach Patterson THE AC PATTERSON FILE 2nd year at Portland State Hometown: Las Vegas, NV Alma Mater: UTEP, 2014, History Playing Career: UTEP, 2011-12, Center Date of Birth: May 19, 1992 COACHING EXPERIENCE 2015-16    Portland State, Offensive Line 2014    Jefferson (El Paso TX) HS 2013    UTEP, student assistant ALL-BIG SKY CONFERENCE VIKINGS UNDER AC PATTERSON 2015 2nd team: Kyle Smith, OT 3rd team: Mike Davis, OT; Cam Keizur, OG HM: Randin Crecelius, OG Return to Staff AC Patterson Offensive Line Twitter: When AC Patterson was hired at Portland State in 2015, he was the youngest (22) Division I football coach in the country. Patterson is now a veteran at 24 and beginning his second season at Portland State.  Patterson, along with Matt Leunen, had a successful year working with the Viking offensive line as PSUs running game was once again dominant, gaining over 3,000 yards. Four Viking starters earned All-Big Sky Conference honors. Tackle Kyle Smith was named second team, tackle Mike Davis and guard/center Cam Keizur were named to the third team, and guard Randin Crecelius earned honorable mention. BACKGROUND Patterson played offensive line at the University of Texas-El Paso from 2011-12. He was named to the Conference USA Honor Roll in 2012. Due to knee injuries and four surgeries he had to retire from collegiate football. However, Patterson became a student assistant under Mike Price at UTEP. He assisted with recruiting, doing film breakdown and player reports, and also did UTEP game film breakdown. In 2014, Patterson served as a volunteer assistant coach at Jefferson High School in El Paso. Patterson starred at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas earning All-League and All-State honors. His team won back-to-back state titles. He comes from a coaching family as his father, Andre, has coached 11 years in the NFL (currently with the Minnesota Vikings) and 14 years collegiately. Viking Coach Bruce Barnum was hired to his first stint at Cornell (1991-92) by Andre Patterson and has known AC his entire life. BACKGROUND Patterson played offensive line at the University of Texas-El Paso from 2011-12. He was named to the Conference USA Honor Roll in 2012. Due to knee injuries and four surgeries he had to retire from collegiate football. However, Patterson became a student assistant under Mike Price at UTEP. He assisted with recruiting, doing film breakdown and player reports, and also did UTEP game film breakdown. In 2014, Patterson served as a volunteer assistant coach at Jefferson High School in El Paso. Patterson starred at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas earning All-League and All-State honors. His team won back-to-back state titles. He comes from a coaching family as his father, Andre, has coached 11 years in the NFL (currently with the Minnesota Vikings) and 14 years collegiately. Viking Coach Bruce Barnum was hired to his first stint at Cornell (1991-92) by Andre Patterson and has known AC his entire life. Feature story on Coach Patterson THE AC PATTERSON FILE 2nd year at Portland State Hometown: Las Vegas, NV Alma Mater: UTEP, 2014, History Playing Career: UTEP, 2011-12, Center Date of Birth: May 19, 1992 COACHING EXPERIENCE 2015-16    Portland State, Offensive Line 2014    Jefferson (El Paso TX) HS 2013    UTEP, student assistant ALL-BIG SKY CONFERENCE VIKINGS UNDER AC PATTERSON 2015 2nd team: Kyle Smith, OT 3rd team: Mike Davis, OT; Cam Keizur, OG HM: Randin Crecelius, OG Return to Staff

New Portland State Football Coach Chris Fisk has named Matt Adkins as his Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach.   Adkins comes to PSU with extensive coaching experience, having worked most recently at Arizona, and having coached with Fisk previously at Southern Oregon.   “I have known Matt since he was a player. He has one of the brightest minds in college football and was an integral part of our national championship at Southern Oregon,” said Fisk. “Matt has a tremendous work ethic and knowledge of the game that will benefit Portland State.”   Adkins worked under Coach Brent Brennan for seven years, first at San Jose State, then at Arizona. At San Jose State, Adkins spent two years as a Graduate Assistant (2017-19), then four years as the Tight Ends coach (2019-23). He was then the Passing Game Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach at Arizona in 2024.   Adkins’ coaching career began in 2009 as the Quarterbacks Coach at Shasta College. He moved on to Southern Oregon in 2010 as the Tight Ends Coach. After a season at College of the Siskiyous Adkins returned to SOU in 2012-13, working with Fisk as both the Wide Receivers Coach and Passing Game Coordinator. During those two years he also coached in the Swedish League, leading the Carlstad Crusaders as Offensive Coordinator, then Head Coach.   Adkins is a 2012 graduate of Southern Oregon University. His collegiate playing career included time at quarterback for Southern Oregon and Shasta College. He is a third-generation football coach, following his father, Doug, who was the Head Coach at Humboldt State from 2000-07 and his grandfather, Tom Perry, who is the winningest Head Coach in Central Washington University history with 95 career victories and a member of the Washington State Football Coaches Hall of Fame.  MATT ADKINS COACHING EXPERIENCE 2024     Arizona, Tight Ends/Pass Game Coordinator 2019-23  San Jose State, Tight Ends 2017-19 San Jose State, Graduate Assistant 2012-13 Southern Oregon, Wide Receivers/Pass Game Coordinator 2012-13 Carlstad Crusaders (Sweden), Offensive Coordinator/Head Coach 2011   College of Siskiyous, Safeties 2010   Southern Oregon, Tight Ends 2009   Shasta College, Quarterbacks        

Jared Gallatin has been named Portland State Football's new Special Teams Coordinator and Safeties Coach for 2026. Gallatin joins Head Coach Chris Fisk, for whom he worked the last two seasons at Central Washington in the same role.   "Jared is a bright young mind and up-and-coming coach in the profession," Fisk said. "He has great energy with the kids and an elite Special Team's mind."   Gallatin coached previously at Fresno State as a defensive graduate assistant in 2023, working closely with the Bulldogs' defensive backs. He spent two seasons at the University of Mary, coaching the team's linebackers and serving as the recruiting coordinator for the Marauder Football program. Gallatin was the defensive backs coach in 2021.   Prior to joining the staff at the University of Mary, Gallatin worked as a defensive graduate assistant coaching linebackers at South Dakota State in 2020. Gallatin spent the summer of 2020 working with the defensive backs at the University of Mary as a graduate assistant and cornerbacks coach.   For the 2018 and 2019 seasons, Gallatin coached at Northern State University as a defensive graduate assistant and assistant defensive backs coach.   A native of Polson, MT, Gallatin entered coaching after a playing career at Rocky Mountain College. He played defensive back for the Battlin' Bears and was named a team captain as well as a leadership council member.   Gallatin graduated from Rocky Mountain in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and Exercise Science and a Master's of Science Education in Sport Leadership from Northern State University in 2019.   JARED GALLATIN COACHING EXPERIENCE 2024-25  Central Washington, Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties 2023       Fresno State, Defensive Graduate Assistant/Defensive Backs 2021-22  University of Mary, Defensive Backs (2021) Linebackers/Recruiting Coordinator (2022) 2020       South Dakota State, Defensive Graduate Assistant/Linebackers 2020       University of Mary, Graduate Assistant/Cornerbacks (summer) 2018-19  Northern State, Defensive Graduate Assistant/Assistant Defensive Backs

Portland State Football Coach Chris Fisk named Brady Crane as his Director of Player Personnel for the Vikings program. Crane worked for Fisk at Central Washington in a similar role.   At Portland State, Crane is in charge of the program's recruiting efforts, talent evaluation and development as well as other administrative tasks.   "Brady has a great feel for Pacific Northwest recruiting. He has great relationships up and down the west coast," said Fisk. "He is a great evaluator of talent and we are excited to see what he can do with our roster."   Crane spent two seasons at Central Washington with Fisk. In 2023 he was a recruiting intern with the Wildcats program. He became Recruiting Coordinator, Chief of Staff and Running Backs Coach in 2024. Crane spent four years as the Wide Receivers Coach at Chief Sealth High School in West Seattle before joining the Wildcats.   Crane was a wide receiver at Laney College in California from 2016-18. He helped lead the Eagles to a CCCAA State Championship in 2018. BRADY CRANE COACHING EXPERIENCE 2024-25  Central Washington, Recruiting Coordinator/Chief Of Staff/Running Backs Coach 2023 Central Washington, Recruiting Intern 2019-23 Chief Sealth (WA) High School, Wide Receivers Coach

Alec Olson has been hired as Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for Portland State Athletic. Olson works with all 15 Viking Athletics teams but specifically with the football program. “This was a great opportunity to help push the Portland State program forward to more success in the Big Sky,” said Olson. “The skill set and experiences I have can help achieve that.” Olson spent the past three years as Assistant Sports Performance Coach at Western Oregon. He directed sports performance for women’s volleyball, track and field and women’s basketball while also involved with all other sports, operations and implementations. During his time at WOU he added an athlete load program for all teams to track daily wellness and stress to optimize performance. Prior to WOU, Olson spent time as a football strength and conditioning intern at the University of Iowa during the summer of 2020 assisting in the implementation and execution of all aspects for football strength and conditioning. Olson received an undergraduate degree at WOU with a bachelor’s in social science and exercise science in 2015. He went on to complete his master’s degree in biomechanics at Illinois State. While at Illinois State, Olson directed all aspects of strength and conditioning for women’s gymnastics, men’s tennis and women’s golf. He also was the primary assistant to the operations and implementation for football. Olson served as the primary assistant in monitoring and the execution of softball, throwers and jumpers program training sessions. Olson designed and implemented a recovery survey for women’s gymnastics to track sleep, nutrition and stress variables. Olson is strength and conditioning coach certified through CSCCA and advanced sports performance coach through USAW. Originally from Albany, OR, Olson played football at Western Oregon for three seasons.  

Alex Kastens has been named the new Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator for the Portland State Football program as announced by Head Coach Chris Fisk. Kastens worked alongside Fisk at Central Washington the past two seasons as Offensive Line Coach.   “Alex is one of the top young offensive line coaches in college football,” said Fisk. “His ability to develop linemen in the offseason and create a bond and brotherhood is impressive. I am looking forward to seeing that grow at Portland State.”   Kastens made an immediate impact on the Central Washington program when he joined for the 2024 season. He had four All-Conference offensive linemen, then three first team All-Conference linemen in 2025. Highlighting that group was center Slade Edwards, who was twice named the Lone Star Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year and an All-American, and was named the Rimington Award winner for Division II football in 2025 for the top center in the nation. The Wildcats line led the way for the first- and third-leading rushers in the Lone Star Conference in 2024. In 2025, CWU had the top scoring offense and second-leading rushing offense in the conference.   Prior to working at Central Washington, Kastens had great success at William Jewell College, a Division II program in Liberty, MO. In his first season, he coached the offensive line and tight ends, then became offensive coordinator and strength and conditioning coach.   Kastens was defensive line coach at University of Mary in Bismarck, ND in 2020-21. Kastens began his coaching career with his alma mater, Carroll College. He was with Carroll from 2015 to 2019. He began as an Assistant Offensive Line and Tight Ends coach, then became the Defensive Line Coach, and finally added the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach and Offensive Line Coach titles.   The Coeur d'Alene, Idaho native played from 2010-14 for Carroll College where he had a standout career. He was a three-year starter as an offensive lineman and two-year team captain, earning All-Frontier Conference honors twice. Kastens helped guide the Fighting Saints to three straight Frontier Conference Championships and the 2011 NAIA National Championship Game and was also a redshirt member of the 2010 National Championship Team.    ALEX KASTENS COACHING EXPERIENCE 2024-25           Central Washington, Offensive Line 2022-23           William Jewell, Offensive Line/Tight Ends (2023); Offensive Coordinator/Strength Coach (2024) 2020-21           University of Mary, Defensive Line 2015-19           Carroll College, Offensive Line/Tight Ends/Defensive Line/Strength Coach  

Portland State Head Football Coach Chris Fisk named Patrick Belony as the Vikings' new Defensive Line Coach and Pro Liaison in January. Belony joined PSU after working with Fisk for two seasons at Central Washington.   "Pat is one of the top young defensive line coaches on the west coast," said Fisk. "He has a wealth of experience as a player and a coach from the FBS and Division II levels. Pat brings in a lot of experience that our players will really learn from."   Belony, who worked at CWU in 2024 and 2025, played a big role in the Wildcats' defense ranking second in the nation in 2024 in total defense. He coached the Lone Star Conference's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2025, Tyler King, as well as three of the four first team All-Conference Defensive Linemen and a second team selection. One of those players, Mikiao Edward, was the 2024 Lone Star Freshman of the Year.   In addition to Central Washington, Belony has a history of working with other successful programs. Prior to joining CWU, Belony spent the 2023 season at Washington State University under Head Coach Jake Dickert as a Defensive Graduate Assistant/Quality Control coach. Before his time in Pullman, Belony spent the 2022 season at Fresno State under Head Coach Jeff Tedford. That year, the Bulldogs finished with a 10–4 record, winning the Mountain West Championship with a 28–16 victory over Boise State and defeating Washington State 29–6 in the 2022 LA Bowl.   From 2021–2022, Belony served as a Graduate Assistant at his alma mater, Fresno State. In his first season under then–Head Coach Kalen DeBoer, he helped the Bulldogs to a 10–3 record and a victory over UTEP in the 2021 New Mexico Bowl. Belony played at Fresno State from 2015-18 and was part of a Mountain West Conference Championship and two bowl victories. He played one season at Antelope Valley College (2014). A native of North Miami Beach, Florida, Belony earned his degree in Communication and a Masters in Education (Curriculum & Instruction) from Fresno State. PATRICK BELONY COACHING EXPERIENCE 2024-25  Central Washington, Defensive Line 2023      Washington State, Defensive Graduate Assistant/Quality Control 2021-22  Fresno State, Graduate Assistant