The 26th head football coach in Thiel College history, Dan Blume is entering his third season at the helm of the Tomcats in 2018.
Blume has coached nine All-PAC players, including senior quarterback Ryan Radke who was a First Team selection in 2016. In 2017, running back Nick Barca set a new program single season record with 1,232 yards rushing. Against Geneva on Sept. 23 Barca ran for 215 yards, the fifth most in a single game in Thiel history. Barca currently sits in eighth place in Tomcat career rushing yards (1,887).
Prior to his arrival at Thiel, Blume spent four seasons as an assistant coach for the NCAA Division II Mercyhurst University Lakers. The team’s linebackers coach the past four seasons, he has also served as special teams coordinator and a recruiting coordinator the past two seasons.
In his four seasons at Mercyhurst, Blume coached nine All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West selections, including linebackers Joe Dever and Aaron McGee, who were first-team picks. The Lakers had three winning seasons and compiled a record of 28-16 during Blume’s tenure.
Prior to his time at Mercyhurst, Blume spent two seasons as the defensive line coach at NCAA Division III Trinity (Conn.) College. With Blume assisting, the Trinity Bantams led the nation in 2011 in total defense, scoring defense and rush defense. In 2010, Trinity led the nation in rush defense.
Blume served as a defensive assistant with Division I Villanova University in 2008 and 2009. The Wildcats went 24-4 during his tenure and won the FCS National Championship in 2009.
Blume began his career at the University of Mount Union, his alma mater, as an assistant linebackers coach in 2006. He coached two all-conference linebackers during his two seasons as an assistant with the Purple Raiders. Mount Union made two appearances in the Stagg Bowl during his tenure and won the NCAA Division III national championship in 2006.
Blume was a linebacker with the Purple Raiders from 2002-05, where he was a part of the team’s NCAA Division III national championships in 2002 and 2005.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Blume earned a master’s degree in recreation and sport sciences from Ohio University in 2012. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from the University of Mount Union in 2006.
