DES MOINES, IOWA — Grand View University football coach E.J. Peterson has announced that Jake Munkwitz has been hired as the Vikings' Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Assistant Coach.

Jake Munkwitz is the final piece of E.J. Peterson's first staff as head coach of the Vikings, completing a talented and experienced group of coaches.

Munkwitz joins the program after an impressive eight-year tenure at NCAA Division II Concordia University St. Paul, where he served as the Assistant Head Coach, Special Teams Coordinator, and linebackers coach for the Golden Bears.

During his time at Concordia, Munkwitz played a pivotal role in program operations, excelling in recruiting, leadership development, and fundraising. He spearheaded the team's Leadership Development program and managed the hiring and onboarding of new coaches. His contributions also extended to game analytics, strategy, and practice planning, making him an integral part of the program. 

As the Special Teams Coordinator since 2017, Munkwitz led his units to consistent excellence, guiding Concordia to dominate the NSIC in numerous special teams categories, including touchdowns, blocked kicks, kickoff averages, PAT percentages, and net punts. Under his leadership, the Golden Bears achieved national recognition, leading NCAA Division II in touchback percentage in both 2017 and 2018. Notably, kicker Jonas Schenderlein earned All-American honors in 2018 and went on to NFL tryouts with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings.

Munkwitz also brings national experience to Grand View, having coached the USA Football U14 National Team in the summers of 2018 and 2019. In 2018, he led the U14 Stars to a 28-14 victory over the U14 Stripes, and the following year, as defensive coordinator, guided the U14 Stars to a decisive 28-7 win over the U14 Courage. Both games were held at The Star in Frisco, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Munkwitz was a versatile contributor for the Concordia Golden Bears as a player, appearing in 31 games primarily as a tight end and H-back. He made an impact on both offense and special teams, recording nine receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. His best performance came during his senior season when he hauled in five catches for 53 yards and a 16-yard touchdown against Southwest Minnesota State.

With his extensive experience and proven track record, Munkwitz is poised to make an immediate impact for the Vikings.

"We're excited to welcome Jake Munkwitz to our coaching staff. His experience with special teams will be a tremendous asset as we continue to use that phase of the game as a weapon on gameday. We're confident he'll make a significant impact on our program," said head football coach E.J. Peterson.
 
"My family and I are excited to join the Grand View Football Program, athletic department, and campus community. I look forward to building upon the tradition established within Viking Football. This is an incredible opportunity, both personally and professionally. Thank you to Coach Peterson and the rest of the staff for believing in me!" said Coach Munkwitz.

Coach Munkwitz will step into his new role as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Assistant Coach effective immediately, succeeding Tyler Martin, who has transitioned to the position of Defensive Coordinator.
 
THE MUNKWITZ FILE
Birthdate: August 9th, 1993
Hometown: Glenwood City, Wisconsin
Family: Wife Whitney, and Daughter Caroline

Education
Bachelors of Arts, Interscholastic Coaching, Concordia University – St. Paul, 2014
Master of Arts, Sports Management, Concordia University – St. Paul, 2014

Coaching Career
Special Teams Coord./Defensive Assistant, Grand View University, 2025-current
Assistant Head Coach, Concordia St. Paul, 2023-2025
Special Teams Coord., Concordia St. Paul, 2017-2025
Linebackers Coach, Concordia St. Paul, 2016-2025
Recruiting Coord., Concordia St. Paul, 2017-2023

Coaching Accomplishments
Led the NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference) in various special teams categories across multiple seasons… Oversaw a roster size increase from 95 student-athletes (2016) to over 130… Coached several All-NSIC linebackers… Coached All-American Kicker in 2018…

THE FACTS ON MUNKWITZ
8 years of college coaching experience
8 seasons at the NCAA DII Level
Promoted to Assistant HC before departure from CSP 
in 2024, led the NSIC in Special Teams TDs, Blocked Kicks, KO Average, PAT %, KO Return TDs
1 NCAA DII All-American, Kicker
First Coaching Gig in Iowa
Midwestern-born and bred
 
MUNK'S PLAYING CAREER
NSIC All-Academic Student-Athlete
ADA Academic Achievement Award
Played 31 games at the DII level