Bio

Derek Bakken joined Cobber Football in the spring of 2022 to coach the Defensive Line. 

While at Concordia College, Bakken mentored 1 All-American in Collin Thompson and 3 All-MIAC Selections in Chase Dockter, Collin Thompson, & Preston Johnson. 

Before Concordia, Bakken was Defensive Line Coach at the University of Minnesota – Crookston for 1 year in 2019 where he mentored Golden Eagle Senior Joe Warner into a first-time All-NSIC pick. Warner was the first All NSIC DL in a decade & only Golden Eagle named in their last year of football. He had 34 tackles during his senior season, four tackles for loss, three sacks & a fumble recovery. Warner’s best game came with six tackles and a sack against Minnesota State University Moorhead. 

Prior to the University of Minnesota-Crookston, Bakken joined Mayville State University in December 2016 as Defensive Line Coach. 

During the 2017 Season for the Comets he mentored first-year player Austin Robb to be honored with NorthStar All-Conference HM as well as named an NAIA Champions of Character Recipient. 

In 2018 Bakken was named Defensive Coordinator, then Associate Head Coach with DL/LB responsibilities and was fortunate to mentor Freshman LB Josiah Walker who was named NSAA Defensive Player of the Week, first Comet to receive that award in a decade as well as mentor DL Tyler Gay All-NSAA 2nd Team, LB Ricky Flowers All NSAA 2nd Team, Austin Robb All-NSAA HM, & Danial Simpson All –NSAA HM. 

Bakken also served as Defensive Line Coach with the Fargo Invaders (Semi-Professional) during their 2014 Championship season in 2014, being named Defensive Coach of the Year. 

Bakken also served as Co-Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator of the NSFL Fargo Invaders (Semi Pro) in 2016 which culminated in an NSFL League Championship and Bakken being named NSFL Coach of the Year. 

In 2017, Bakken also served as General Manager/Defensive Coordinator of the Invaders as they transitioned into the NEFL, before being eliminated in the playoffs after capturing a share of the Western Division Regular Season Championship. 

Bakken coached High School football at Fargo Oak Grove in 2007, as well as serving as Defensive Coordinator in 2011/2012 before being named head coach through the 2015 season. 

Bakken began his college career at Dickinson State University as a Linebacker in 1985. Prior to the Blue Hawks, Bakken Graduated from Drake High School in Drake, North Dakota where he played Football, Basketball, Baseball & Track. 

Bakken resides in Halstad, Minn. with his wife Janet and has four adult children.

Coaching History:
2022-Present: Concordia College – Defensive Line
2018-2019: University of Minnesota – Crookston – Defensive Line
2016-2018: Mayville State University –Defensive Coordinator, Assoc. HC & Defensive Line
2014-2017: Fargo Invaders (Semi Pro) – Defensive Line, Co-Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator, General Manager
2007, 2011-2015: Oak Grove Lutheran School – Assistant Coach, Defensive Coord., Head Coach

MIAC Most Valuable Lineman “Mike Stam Award”
Concordia College – Collin Thompson (2023)

All-American Selections
Concordia College – Collin Thompson (2023)

All-Region Selections
Concordia College – Collin Thompson (2023)

All-Conference Selections
Concordia College (3) – Chase Dockter (2022, 2023), Collin Thompson (2022, 2023), Preston Johnson (2022)
University of Minnesota – Crookston (1) – Joe Warner (2019)
Mayville State University (5) - Austin Robb (2017,2018), Tyler Gay (2018), Ricky Flowers (2018),
Danial Simpson (2018)