Jeff Larson enters his fourth season as the defensive coordinator at Northern State in the fall of 2023. In addition to his coordinator duties, Larson leads the linebackers.
In 2022, the Wolves went 6-5 overall and 3-3 in the North Division. Northern tallied their first NFCA Top-25 victory in the Schmidt-era with a 23-22 win over No. 24 Minnesota State. It was the first win over the Mavericks in over 50 years. The Wolves defense tallied school records in single game point allowed (0 versus UIU), single game quarterback sacks (4.0), single season punt returns (21.0), single season tackles for a loss yards (124), and single season sacks (14.0). The Wolves defense ranked eight in redzone defense (63.6%) and tenth in rushing defense (76.6 yds/gm) nationally in 2022. Three members of the defense were named to the NSIC All-Conference teams including Ian Marshall (NSIC Defensive Newcomer and Defensive Player of the Year), Luke Chuol (second team), and Brennan Kutterer (second team). Marshall also earned D2CCA Super Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year, NFCA, D2CCA, and Don Hansen All-America, and a finalist for the Cliff Harris Award.
In the fall of 2021, the Wolves posted a 7-4 record from Dacotah Bank Stadium. Northern tallied their first win over USF in the Division II era and first win over Winona since 1999 (breaking a 14 game losing streak). In addition, it was the first time receiving votes in AFCA Top-25 Poll and first NCAA Regional Ranking in program history. Three members of the NSU defense were named to the NSIC All-Conference teams including Nate Robinson (first team), Brennan Kutterer (second team), and Chance Olson (second team). In addition, Olson grabbed honors as a CoSIDA Academic All-American, AFCA All-American, and Don Hansen All-American.
Prior to Northern State, Larson spent one season (2019) as the head coach at Mayville State University. Larson came to Mayville State after seven seasons (2012-2018) at Chadron State College where he was the defensive coordinator and coached linebackers and defensive line. During his time at Chadron State, the Eagles were 46-31 including one NCAA Division II playoff appearance (2012). The Eagles were consistently one of the top defenses in the RMAC including topping the conference in pass defense, interceptions, sacks, and red zone defense. He coached student-athletes that earned 33 All-Conference selections, as well as one defensive player of the year, one freshmen of the year, and two All-Americans.
Larson began his college coaching career as a graduate assistant linebackers coach at Chadron State (2006-2007) where the Eagles were 24-2. In those two seasons, CSC won two conference championships and made two playoff appearances finishing both seasons in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals.
In between his stints at Chadron State, Larson spent four seasons at Black Hills State University (2008-2011). With the Yellow Jackets, he was the special teams coordinator/linebackers coach (2008) and defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach (2009-2011). As the team's defensive coordinator, Larson led defenses that topped the former Dakota Athletic Conference in total defense, rush defense, opponent 3rd down conversions, scoring defense, and sacks. A total of 15 student-athletes earned All-Conference selections, including one DAC MVP, during his coordinator tenure.
Larson began his coaching career in the high school ranks where he spent four seasons at Cheyenne East High School in Cheyenne, Wyo. and one season at Layton High School in Layton, Utah.
He is a native of Aberdeen, S.D. and a 2000 graduate of Northern State with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education. During his time at NSU he played linebacker for the Wolves. He and his wife, Staci have one daughter, Amalia.
