Bio

Kyle Bakken is in his 16th season as a member of the Cobber football staff and 12th year as a full-time member of the Concordia Athletic Department. Kyle is entering his 16th season as an assistant coach for the Cobbers and 13th year as defensive coordinator.

Under Bakken's tutleage the Cobbers have improved in most defensive categories and have been at the top of the MIAC in several defensive statistical categories.

In 2015 the Cobber defense was in the top 2 of the MIAC in fewest points allowed per game and fewest rushing yards per game allowed. Concordia was also in the top 35 of the nation in both statistical categories.     

In 2014 the Cobber "Black Shirt" defense was ranked in the top 3 of the conference in 11 different statistical categories. Concordia led the MIAC in defensive conversion on first and fourth downs. CC was second in the league in total defense, scoring defense and rushing defense as well as "red zone defense, turnovers gained and interceptions.

In 2012 his defense was second in the MIAC in points allowed per game, total yards allowed per game and rushing yards per game. In 2013 he was part of the coaching team that helped defensive end Nate Adams earn the Mike Stam Award for the league's most outstanding lineman. During first two years as defensive coordinator he has mentored 18 MIAC All-Conference honorees. 

Bakken was the head football coach at Fargo’s Oak Grove High School from 2003 to 2007. During that time he amassed a 41-12 overall record and won the North Dakota State Championship in 2007. He helped the Grovers to five consecutive appearances in the North Dakota State High School League playoffs. In 2006 he was selected as one of the assistant coaches for the annual Shrine Bowl game.

Bakken received his bachelor’s degree from Minot State University in 1992.He earned his master’s degree from the University of Mary in 1998. Bakken played his college football for Minot State after starring for Oak Grove as a wide receiver and cornerback during high school.

He lives in Fargo with his wife, Jeanne, and son, Jonah.