SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana University head football coach, Jerry Olszewski, announced Thursday the hiring of Jordan Malone as defensive coordinator. Malone takes over for Brian Bergstrom, who was recently named the safeties coach at South Dakota State University.
 
Malone returns to Augustana after spending the last two seasons at his Alma Mater, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Malone was on Olszewski's staff as a defensive backs coach for the 2014 season.
 
"I am excited to welcome Jordan back to the Viking family," Olszewski said. "I promised our players that we would move swiftly to get the right leader in place before spring ball and I am confident we did just that with our selection of Jordan as our defensive coordinator. I have been blessed to have known Jordan since he played for me and have been engaged in his rise as a bright young defensive mind."
 
During his two seasons as an assistant coach at Minnesota State, Malone coached four All-NSIC honorees, including two All-NSIC First Team recipients in Jared Gillespie (2015) and Mat Andriano (2016). In 2015, the Maverick defensive backs recorded nine interceptions and one fumble recovery. Last season, MSU defensive backs totaled seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
 
"I'm very excited to rejoin Augustana University, its football family and the Sioux Falls community," Malone said. "I look forward to working with our student-athletes and giving everything I have to help continue the success and the positive trend that Augustana football has put on display. I would like to thank coach Olszewski for giving me this opportunity."
 
At Augustana in 2014, the defensive backs tallied eight interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Jordan Johnson was the leading tackler in the defensive back group during the 2014 season, with 55 total tackles. Johnson also recorded two interceptions in 2014. Keyvion Mayhan (24 tackles) and Jordan Determan (11 tackles, one interception) also both saw playing time under Malone's guidance in 2014.
 
"I truly believe he is one of the up and coming coaches in our profession because of his skills as a teacher, mentor and recruiter," Olszewski said. He brings great experience in our system from back to front, a confidence that is contagious, a competitive edge that will make our defense special, along with a personality that will blend well with our staff. I look forward to our growth as a defense under his direction and continuing to raise the level of expectation in our program."
 
Prior to his time in Sioux Falls, Malone coached the defensive backs for one season at NCAA Division III Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Malone was also responsible for the strength and conditioning program for the football team. He tutored one all-conference player and helped coach a defense that recorded 24 takeaways.
 
Malone spent the 2011 season as the defensive coordinator and co-special teams coordinator at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Malone's defense at Simon Fraser accounted for 21 takeaways, 54 tackles for loss and 20 sacks during his one season while four defensive players earned all-conference and two went on to get drafted in the Canadian Football League.
 
He coached two seasons at Division I FCS University of Central Arkansas where he worked with the outside linebackers and nickel backs. In 2008, Malone was the special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach at Waldorf College in Forrest City, Iowa.
 
He completed his Master of Science degree in health, physical education and recreation at Emporia State University where he was a graduate assistant coach for defensive backs.
 
Malone is a 2006 graduate of Minnesota State, Mankato, where he was a four-year letterwinner and an All-NCC and All-America selection. He played in 44 games for the Mavericks, recording 216 tackles, seven interceptions and three fumble recoveries.
 
Augustana University football will open spring football practice on Monday, April 3 and will hold its annual spring scrimmage on Saturday, April 29 at Kirkeby-Over Stadium.