Trine assistant jumps to Olivet

Olivet president Steven M. Corey has announced the appointment of Dan Pifer as the college's head football coach. Pifer will begin his duties immediately.

"Dan is a great addition to Olivet College," said Corey. "He has an exciting vision and strategy for a strong football program that will provide energized leadership not only for our football and athletic programs, but for the whole of Olivet College. I'm looking forward to working with him in the months and years to come."

Pifer has served as the offensive coordinator/recruiting coordinator/special teams coordinator at Trine since 2006. During his tenure, he helped lead the Thunder to three NCAA Division III playoff appearances (2008-10), including three consecutive undefeated Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship seasons. During the last four years, Trine has posted a 41-7 overall record, as well as a 20-home game winning streak and 20-game MIAA winning streak.

Prior to joining Trine's staff, Pifer was the offensive coordinator at Bellmont High School for four years, quarterbacks/wide receivers/defensive line coach at Hillsdale for two years, offensive coordinator at Saint Francis (Ind.) for three years and running backs coach at Saint Joseph's (Ind.) for one year.

Pifer is working on a master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix and earned his bachelor's degree in political science from California (Pa.) in 1995.

"I am confident Dan will bring a new vision to Comet football," said Heather Bateman, athletic director and search committee chair. "He will be a committed leader for our student-athletes and contribute meaningfully to all facets of learning at Olivet College."

Pifer lives in Angola and has two daughters, Avery and Addison.