GRAND RAPIDS – The Calvin University football program has hired Michael Stephan as its new offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator.
Stephan comes to Calvin with four years of experience coaching the offensive line collegiately at Hope College from 2017-20, as well as one year of experience as a head football coach and athletic director at Grant High School.
"I am excited to add coach Stephan to our offensive staff," Calvin head football coach Trent Figg said. "Coach Stephan is a West Michigan guy, and not only is he a great offensive line coach, he is an even better man. Coach Stephan has a passion for teaching and developing young men, and he is exactly what Calvin needs as we move forward and build this program from the ground floor."
Stephan is a 2017 graduate of Hope and played on the offensive line for the Flying Dutch from 2013-16. As a senior in 2016, Stephan was named team captain and the team's Offensive MVP, as well as All-MIAA First Team and All-Region Third Team as he helped the Flying Dutch to a 7-3 record as the team's starting center.
Following his graduation, Stephan joined the Hope coaching staff as an assistant offensive line coach in 2017 before becoming the program's offensive line coach from 2018-20. During those three seasons, Stephan helped the Flying Dutch to an MIAA championship in 2019 and coached a player (Zach Smith) who was awarded the Rimington Trophy as the top center in NCAA Division III.
In 2021, Stephan moved to Grant High School, where he was the head varsity football coach and athletic director for one season.
With his connections to the MIAA and the area, Figg believes Stephan's local ties are an important addition to the Calvin program.
"He has great knowledge of and experience in the MIAA conference, and he is well connected in the West Michigan area. As our offensive line coach, coach Stephan is a vital addition to our staff, and I am thrilled for him to join our staff"
Stephan is looking forward to getting to work as he joins Figg and the rest of the Calvin coaching staff.
"I am extremely thankful to be joining Coach Figg's staff and being a part of building the foundation of Calvin University football," Stephan said. "Calvin University has a rich tradition of academic and athletic excellence. It's evident from the moment you step on campus. I'm very excited to begin developing relationships with our student-athletes and l look forward to honoring Calvin University's standard of excellence in everything we do."
