In this inaugural episode of the D3 Coach and Coordinators of the Week, Keith Grabowski chats with Logan Hanson, the creator of the Hanson Ratings system for NCAA Division III football. We explore his coaching journey and the analytical gaps he identified, leading to the development of his rating system.
Logan outlines his grading criteria for Coaches of the Week, highlighting standout performances and coaching effectiveness. We feature interviews with Reed Florence, Offensive Coordinator at Marietta College, and Craig Stenbroten, Defensive Coordinator at UW Oshkosh, who share insights on offensive strategies and adaptive defense.
The episode concludes with Peter Stuursma, Head Coach at Hope College, discussing leadership and team culture. This series aims to celebrate the dedication of D3 coaches and the human element of the game that impacts players and programs across the nation.
Chapters
Introducton to Hansen Ratings
Offensive Coordinator of the Week: Reed Florence
Defensive Coordinator of the Week: Craig Stenbroten
Head Coach of the Week: Peter Stuursma
Closing Thoughts on D3 Football
Offensive Coordinator of the Week: Reed Florence
Reed Florence, Offensive Coordinator at Marietta College, Recognized for Dominating Performance in 55-0 Victory Over St. John Fisher
Notable Stats:
- 585 total yards of offense
- 393 yards passing, 192 yards rushing
- 9.4 yards per play
- Opened the game with a 99-yard, 4-play TD drive
- Scored touchdowns on 5 of the first 6 possessions
- All touchdown drives covered over 50 yards, including:
- 99 yards (4 plays)
- 81 yards (8 plays)
- 79 yards (6 plays)
- 70 yards (10 plays)
- 68 yards (7 plays)
- 65 yards (1 play)
- 58 yards (8 plays)
- 55 yards (2 plays)
Florence is assisted on offense by Pete Nank, Terry Geiger, Adam Eichorn, and Bryce Agnew.
Florence’s innovative approach and precise play-calling kept the Marietta offense firing on all cylinders throughout the game, securing an impressive victory and earning him this week’s Offensive Coordinator of the Week honor.
Defensive Coordinator of the Week: Craig Stenbrotten
Craig Stenbroten, Defensive Coordinator at UW-Oshkosh, Recognized for Outstanding Defensive Performance in Victory Over Wheaton College
Notable Stats:
- Wheaton averaged 46 points per game in 2023, but Stenbroten’s defense held them to their fewest points since 2021.
- All-American RB limited to just 59 rushing yards (99 total rushing yards allowed).
- Opened the game with three consecutive 3-and-outs.
- Key defensive standout, Ben Wellhoefer, contributed 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, and 2 pass breakups.
- The longest play allowed by the defense was just 19 yards.
- The longest rush allowed was only 10 yards.
Stenbroten’s defensive assistants are Matt McLagan, Alex Jagla, Nicholas Maczurak, Drew Sperry, Kellen Figueroa, Sawyer Moens, Callum Wright, Sam Nienhuis, and Dennis Moon.
Under Stenbroten’s leadership, the UW-Oshkosh defense stifled a Wheaton offense that hadn’t scored fewer than 35 points in a game since their last matchup with UW-Oshkosh in 2023. This exceptional defensive effort secured the team’s Week 1 victory and earned Stenbroten this week’s Defensive Coordinator of the Week title.
Coach and Staff of The Week: Peter Stuursma, Hope College
Peter Stuursma, Head Coach at Hope College, Honored for Leading Team to a 49-0 Victory Over Loras College
Notable Stats:
- Hope College led 42-0 at halftime.
- Outgained Loras College by a staggering 662 total yards to 123.
- Averaged 8.8 yards per play, while holding Loras to just 2.2 yards per play.
- Dominated the first down battle with 29 first downs compared to Loras’ 10.
- Scored touchdowns on every first-half drive.
- Seven different players recorded rushes of at least 14 yards.
- The defense tallied 11 tackles for loss, with 11 different players contributing to the effort.
Stuursma staff is recognized with this honor as well. The Hope staff is Andrew Hawken, Jacob Pardonnet, Hunter Thompson, Matt Bird, Jim Caserta, Jake Vanderveen, Jinks Arnold, KJ Landis, Cal Pimpleton, Ted Manning, and student assistants Zay Hicks, Luke Madsger, and Ty Rynbrandt.
Stuursma’s coaching staff executed a balanced, dominant game plan that allowed both the offense and defense to control the game from the opening snap. Their impressive execution in all phases of the game earned them this week’s Head Coach of the Week honors.
About Hansen Ratings
Hansen Ratings is a data-driven system that uses advanced mathematical formulas to evaluate and rank Division III football players and teams. The system considers various metrics, including Total Adjusted Yards per Play (TAYP) and Yards Above Replacement Player per Game (YARP/G), providing a comprehensive look at player efficiency and team performance. Hansen Ratings also recognizes coaches of the year based on overall success, improvement, and surpassing preseason expectations.
