Steve Dinkel has been promoted to offensive coordinator for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football team. Dinkel, a member of the Warhawk staff for eight years, had been the team's offensive line coach and run game coordinator. He replaces Jim Zebrowski, who left after three years to become quarterback coach at the University of Northern Illinois.
"Steve has been very dedicated and loyal to Warhawk football, essentially working two full-time jobs," UW-W head coach Lance Leipold said. "The opportunity to bring him to Whitewater is a tremendous plus. There is a direct correlation between the success of Warhawk football the last five years and Steve's work with the offensive line and run game. During the run of success we've had there were two offensive coordinators, but a constant on the offensive side has been Steve."
Prior to joining the staff at UW-Whitewater Dinkel was the head football coach at Jefferson (WI) High School for ten years. He guided the Eagles to a 60-36 record, including a Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association championship and three state playoff appearances.
"We couldn't be more excited to elevate Steve to offensive coordinator for the Warhawks," UW-W director of athletics Dr. Paul Plinske said. "His work ethic, attention to detail, knowledge of the game, and passion for his players will make him very effective in leading our offense. I look forward to watching him take this next leadership role in our program."
Dinkel helped coach fifteen offensive linemen to First Team All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors, with eight of those also earning all-America recognition. Max Sakellaris was named Division III Offensive Lineman of the Year by the Football Gazette in 2006, and center Brent Allen was named the Division III Rimington Award winner as the top center in 2007.
That line was a key element in running back Justin Beaver’s Gagliardi Trophy award in 2007 and Levell Coppage becoming the second back in school history to rush for 2,000 yards (2,107) in 2009.
UW-Whitewater has earned five consecutive WIAC championships and five straight National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III playoff berths. The Warhawks have advanced to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl, the Division III championship game, all five years, winning national titles in 2007 and 2009. The Warhawks have never had a losing record in Dinkel's years with the program, with a mark of 89-16 (.848) over that span.
Dinkel is a graduate of UW-River Falls where he played on four WIAC championship teams. He earned his master's degree from UW-Madison.
Dinkel will resign his position with the Jefferson School District and assume an academic staff position at UW-W in addition to coaching football.
For additional information: Paul Plinske, 262-472-1543 or
plinskep@uww.edu, and Lance Leipold, 262-472-1453 or
leipoldl@uww.edu.