Kurt Holinka his second full-time season with the Wolves in the fall of 2019 as the defensive line coach. He returned to the NSU sidelines in 2016 after a stint with Presentation College, as the running backs coach for the Wolves. Holinka was previously the Wolves graduate assistant linebackers coach in 2011 and 2012.
In 2017 Holinka coached All-NSIC first team selection Nicholas Truen. The senior rushed for 1,061 yards, making him the first Wolf since 2003 to overcome the 1,000 yard mark. He was twice named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week, and also earned D2Football.com National Offensive Player of the Week honors.
While at Presentation, Holinka was promoted in every season; from defensive line (2013), to special teams coordinator (2014), and then defensive coordinator (2015). As the defensive line coach he mentored six players who received all-conference honors, as well as a Cliff Harris Award Finalist (National Small College Defensive Player of the year) in 2013.
A native of Dickinson, North Dakota, Holinka comes to NSU after a playing career at Jamestown College as a defensive lineman. Holinka graduated from Dickinson Trinity High School in 2005, and was named a member of the 2004 All-State team. Football coaching is in his blood, his father, Jerry, coached high school football in North Dakota for 40 years and his brother, Brett, is the current defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at the University of Mary.
Holinka earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Jamestown College in 2010, and a Master's in Educational Studies from NSU in 2018.
Kurt and his wife, Andrea have one son, Hudson (2), and are expecting their second child in February of 2019.
