Dan Bauder was introduced as the defensive coordinator on Steve Bell’s coaching staff in January of 2015. He left Wittenberg University where he served as the linebacker, cornerback and special teams coach at various points during his tenure. Bauder holds a U.S.A.W. certification and was the head strength and conditioning coach at Wittenberg.
Bauder’s work at Wittenberg from 2012-2014 wasn’t lacking in accomplishments despite his short tenure. He was a part of three North Coast Athletic Conference Championship teams and three NCAA playoff appearances and the Tigers were a combined 29-6 during that time frame. He coached two all-NCAC cornerbacks in 2012, two all-NCAC linebackers in 2013 and two all-NCAC linebackers in 2014. In 2014, he was a key part of the coaching staff on a defense that allowed just 15.4 points per game and ranked 10th NCAA Division III in takeaways with 31.
Previous to coaching at Wittenberg, Bauder was at Wartburg from 2009-2012 as running backs and wide receivers coach. Additionally, he was the assistant recruiting coordinator and assistant strength and conditioning coach. He coached four all-Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference athletes while accumulating a combined record of 24-6 during his tenure. In 2010, Bauder helped lead Wartburg to a conference championship.
Bauder also had an impressive playing career at Wartburg where he received three varsity letters. He was a three-year starter, two seasons at wide receiver and one at quarterback. He was named to the academic all-conference team three times and was a senior captain on the 2008 IIAC championship team. On top of football, Bauder was an active member of the Knights’ track and field team.
