THE OFFICIAL SITE OF BUENA VISTA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Jake Mandelko  is set to begin his fifth season on staff in 2022 and serves as the team's defensive coordinator.

In just two years, the defense moved up from last to the middle of the conference rankings in total defense.  The team has also been among the league leaders in interceptions (25) and finished second in 2019 with 25 sacks. In 2022, Madelko's defense ranked third in the A-R-C against the run, allowing just over 100.0 rushing yards per game.  He's also helped coach seven all-conference defensive selections, including one 2x First Team honoree.

Mandelko was a four-year safety while playing collegiate football at Nebraska-Kearney.  He served as a team captain as a senior in 2009 while also earning Division II All-American honors.  He was a two-time First Team All-District (2008 & 2009) and First Team All-Rock Mountain Athletic Conference in 2009.

Following a strong collegiate career, he went on to serve as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 2011-14.  During that time, he helped coached the defensive backs and served in a defensive quality control capacity. His teams were consistently rated in the top of the country in pass efficiency defense.

Mandelko then moved on and had spent the last two years serving as the defensive coordinator at Hastings College before moving onto BVU.  He also served as defensive backs coach and a recruiting coordinator for the Broncos.

Mandelko graduated from UN-K in May 2009 with a bachelor of science degree in sports administration.