Mike DuFrane begins his third season as assistant football coach at Marietta College in 2018. Dufrane serves as the Pioneers' defensive coordinator and coaches the linebackers.
DuFrane came to Marietta after serving as the defensive coordinator for two years at Lyon College, an NAIA school in Batesville, Ark. DuFrane helped the Scots resurrect a football program that had been dormant for 64 years.
Prior to his stint at Lyon, DuFrane spent time at four different NCAA Division III institutions. He began his coaching career at the University of Minnesota Morris where he coached the Cougars’ defensive line. From there he moved on to Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis. for two seasons coaching the Red Men linebackers in his first year and defensive line his second season.
After one year coaching the defensive line at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, DuFrane returned to Carthage for the 2013 season. He then made a brief stop at Lawrence University before moving on to restart the program at Lyon.
In addition to his on field responsibilities, DuFrane has had numerous other responsibilities throughout his coaching career. He has served as the strength and conditioning coordinator, camp director, fundraising and video coordinator at various institutions.
DuFrane also brings National Championship experience to the Pioneer program. He was a starting defensive tackle on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 2007 NCAA Division III National Champion team. The Warhawks defeated Mount Union 31-21 in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl to capture the crown. He was also a member of Whitewater’s national runner-up team in 2008.
DuFrane graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2009 with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Communications and Broadcasting. He completed a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Carthage College in 2015.
Dufrane and his wife Jillian live in Marietta with their three children; Jordy, Reese and Remi.
