Vance Winter, the current defensive coordinator at Concordia University, Nebraska, was named the head football coach at Concordia on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Concordia Athletic Director Grant Schmidt made the announcement public after Winter met with the football team and was formally introduced as Concordia's ninth head coach in its 80-year football history.
Winter, an eight-year coaching veteran, has been at the helm of Concordia's defense the past two seasons after serving for two years as the linebackers coach for the Bulldogs. During his watch the 2007 Concordia defense allowed just 122 rushing yards per game.
"I am very happy and excited to have Vance take over as head football coach of this program," Schmidt said. "Vance has proven over the last four years that he is an excellent recruiter, leader and has the support of his players."
During his coaching career, Winter has made stops at Peru State College (defensive coordinator, linebackers 2004-05), Wayne State College (linebackers 2002-04), and Dakota State University (running backs 2000-01).
Winter was a four-year letter winner while playing middle linebacker for Dakota State University. A team captain in 1999, Winter was a two-time honorable mention all-conference linebacker for the Trojans and the team's leading tackler in 1998 and 1999.
Winter earned a bachelor's degree in physical education from Dakota State University in 2002 and a master's degree in sport management from Wayne State in 2004. Winter currently resides in Seward, Neb., with his wife Tanya and his son Jackson.