Grant Mollring was hired to take over the BVU football program in December of 2016. Mollring arrived in Storm Lake after having served as the offensive coordinator at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska for three seasons, and before that was the offensive coordinator for four years at Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. He served as both a recruiting coordinator and quarterback’s coach at both institutions.
During his seven seasons as an offensive coordinator, Mollring’s offenses consistently averaged over 400 yards of total offense and 30 points per game. In 2011, he coached the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Player of the Year at quarterback and has coached multiple All-Conference and All-American student-athletes throughout his career.
Mollring began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) from 2007-08. He then became the team’s wide receiver coach and coached four all-conference selections in his two years there.
#1- Tell us the circumstances how you were just named the head coach at Buena Vista University?
While serving as the Offensive Coordinator at Hastings College I had my eye on a few opportunities that came up in early December. The opportunity at Buena Vista University appealed to me because of the great academic reputation as well as the progressiveness of the college. I applied for the position and was fortunate enough to get a call from Jack Denholm, the Athletic Director. The process moved pretty quickly as I interviewed on campus shortly thereafter and was offered the position a week before Christmas. It was a unique situation as I did not have any connections to BVU but knew that great coaches such as Morningside Defensive Coordinator Casey Jacobsen, Fresno State Offensive Line Coach Ryan Grubb, and Sioux Falls Head Coach Jon Anderson were all alums of the university.
#2 – What was the transition like going from being OC at Hastings College to Head Coach at BVU?
The transition from Offensive Coordinator to Head Coach has gone well. I am fortunate to have worked for some men who have given me opportunities to prepare to be a Head Coach. Tony Harper at Hastings has known my career aspirations and he afforded me the opportunity to be involved with a lot of things at Hastings that prepared me for today. Matt Franzen at Doane College designed and implemented a Standard of Performance
that changed the culture and mindset at Doane, and has led them to a great turnaround in their program. Coach Franzen also has a skill of being a great listener and not making emotional decisions and learning from him in that area has also helped me in my new position already. Darrell Morris, formerly of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, was a great example of how a Head Coach can be a CEO and run a program as well. All of been influences on me as the transition has taken place here at BVU.
#3 – Do you anticipate a different type of athlete in going from an NAIA school to Division III?
I think that recent on the field play has shown that there is not much of any difference between the NAIA and Division III football. Great matchups like Morningside vs. UW-Whitewater have shown little disparity in the top flight talent in both levels. Any difference might happen regionally, but in Northwest Iowa, we are surrounded by Division III and NAIA schools who are all recruiting the same young men.
#4 – You have had much success as an OC – what is your offensive philosophy?
Our offensive philosophy is one that aims for a 50/50 run to pass balance. We want to tailor the look of our offense to fit our personnel in the best way possible. While I don’t foresee our QB getting under center, I do anticipate mixing in components of a pro-style and spread offense to best fit our team.
#5 – A little over a month on the new job, what are your priorities over the winter, spring, and summer in getting ready for your first season as head coach.
Our number priority has been to get to know the guys currently on our roster. They have made a commitment to the University and have stayed on through a coaching change, so it’s important to know that they are priority number one. Secondly, we want to increase our roster size by recruiting players for the 2017 season that best fit our program and needs. We are very fortunate to have an outstanding Director of Strength and Performance in Ryder Weischedel and he has been instrumental in our players’ physical and mental development this winter. We are looking forward to spring ball when our coaching staff can see the tangible results. Coach Weischedel will have a huge impact on our summer development as well as when we move into the fall season.
#6 – What type of athlete – generally speaking – will you be recruiting?
We want to recruit multi-sport athletes who have a great competitive desire. The measurable aren’t as important to us as the fire and spirit that they possess.
#7 – What are the intangibles you look for in recruiting?
Prospects that we recruit must fit a profile that falls in line with our institutional standards of academic excellence and the desire to grow as an individual. We want guys who are competitive, smart, caring, and willing to take a chance on a program and coaching staff who are committed to push them to new levels.
