Denny Dorrel returns for his fourth season as the Pioneers’ defensive coordinator in 2011.
In his first year leading Marietta’s defense, Dorrel coached a pair of All-OAC performers; senior linebacker Grant Cowell earned All-OAC second team, while junior defensive back Clinton Thompson received All-OAC honorable mention. In 2009, junior defensive end Adam Tate received All-OAC second team honors, while sophomore nose tackle Cody Andrews was given All-OAC honorable mention.
A native of Brookville, Indiana, Dorrel spent five seasons with Thomas More (Ky.) College, serving as the defensive line coach for three seasons before moving up to the defensive coordinator role for two years. While the defensive coordinator with the Saints, he coached 15 All-Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) players and four All-America standouts. In 2006, Dorrel led the top-ranked defense in PAC, which also finished 25th in the nation. Dorrel also served as the men’s head tennis coach from 2005-06.
Dorrel is a 2001 graduate of Hanover College with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He was a four-year member of the Panther football team, putting on the pads from 1997-2000. As a senior, the captain earned All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) honors. Dorrel helped Hanover win three HCAC Championships and make three NCAA Division III Football Championship appearances while totaling a four-year record of 37-7.
“I am looking forward to what we can accomplish this fall,” Dorrel said. “We are going to continue to get after it on defense and try to set the tone for the rest of the team’s success each week.”
Dorrel and his wife Sarah live in Marietta.
