Mitch Leppke will be entering his second season as the Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach & Recruiting Coordinator for McPherson College.
Coaching Highlights
In 2024, McPherson College finished 23rd in the NAIA and 4th in the KCAC in total defense, allowing just over 300 yards per game. The team ranked 13th in the NAIA and 2nd in the KCAC in passing yards allowed per game, giving up just 159 yards through the air. Nehemiah Figueroa was named a 1st Team All-American and 1st Team All-KCAC. Three players earned 2nd Team All-KCAC honors—Brandon Jones (LB), Lester Amos (DL), and Kirby Lewis (DB)—all of whom return for the fall of 2025. Additionally, six players earned Honorable Mention All-KCAC, including one returner, MJ Kuntz (DL/LS).
In 2023 at Missouri Southern, Leppke had two defensive backs earn All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors: Ife Current and Ian McSwain. The team finished 3rd in the MIAA in pass defense, allowing 201.2 yards per game. His 2022 season featured Jaedon Stoshak, the NCAA Division II leader in punt return yards. The defense finished 3rd in the MIAA in pass defense, giving up just 198.8 yards per game. Defensive back Jalen Dennis earned All-MIAA Honorable Mention honors. The defense finished 2nd in the MIAA in pass defense in 2022 with 213.0 yards allowed per game. Dylan Bolden was named 3rd Team All-MIAA at defensive back, and Malachi Broadnax earned Honorable Mention All-MIAA recognition.
While at Quincy University, the defense led the GLVC in both turnovers (26) and interceptions (16) in the 2019 season. Defensive back Keenan Steegal was named to the All-GLVC Second Team. Keenan Steegal also earned All-GLVC Second Team honors at defensive back in 2018, while DT Christansen was named Honorable Mention All-GLVC.
In his time at Wyoming, the team won the 2017 Idaho Potato Bowl and led both the NCAA FBS and the Mountain West Conference in turnovers with 38. They ranked 5th in the NCAA FBS and 1st in the Mountain West in passing yards allowed per game (160.7 ypg), and 9th in FBS and 2nd in the Mountain West in scoring defense (17.8 ppg). The staff worked with current NFL safeties Andrew Wingard (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Marcus Epps (New England Patriots).
Leppke's time at Minnesota State - Moorhead featured defensive back Michael Strand, who was named to the All-NSIC Second Team.
In his second season at Quincy in 2015, Adekheem Brown earned All-GLVC Second Team honors at defensive back. In 2014, the defense finished 2nd in the GLVC in total defense, allowing just 334 yards per game.
Leppke's first season coaching at McPherson College featured defensive back Phillip Wilson, earning Honorable Mention All-KCAC honors.
Playing Highlights
Leppke played as a defensive back at McPherson College from 2009 to 2012 and was a member of the 2009 and 2010 teams that were later inducted into the Bulldog Hall of Fame. During that time, the team made two NAIA Playoff appearances and won the KCAC Championship in 2010.
Coaching History
2024 - Present McPherson College
2021 - 2024 Missouri Southern State University
2018 - 2021 Quincy University
2017 - 2018 University of Wyoming
2016 - 2017 Minnesota State University Moorhead
2014 - 2015 Quincy University
2013 - 2014 McPherson College
Quick Facts
Hometown: Marion, KS
College: McPherson College ’13 – Quincy University ‘15
Family: Wife, Nicole Leppke, Daughter, Audrey Leppke, and Son, Owen Leppke
