E.J. Peterson, a proud alumnus of Grand View University and member of the Class of 2011, enters his second season as Head Coach after a historic debut campaign in which he led the Vikings to a perfect 14-0 record, the Heart North Conference Championship, and the program's third National Championship. Peterson took over the program in 2025 following six seasons as the Vikings' Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach. As a player, Peterson earned All-American honors, was named the 2010 Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and left a lasting legacy as a cornerstone of the team's success. His contributions to Grand View football were immortalized in 2021 with his induction into the Grand View Hall of Fame.
After a standout collegiate and professional playing career with the Iowa Barnstormers, Peterson transitioned into coaching, where he has spent the past 13 years building an impressive resume. His tenure as Defensive Coordinator for Grand View from 2018 to 2024 cemented his reputation as one of the top defensive minds in NAIA football — a reputation he carried directly into his championship debut as Head Coach. Under his leadership as Defensive Coordinator, the Vikings' defense achieved historic dominance, consistently ranking at the top of national statistical categories. In 2024 alone, the Vikings led the nation in total yards allowed (219.9 per game), passing yards (146.9), rushing yards (73.0), and points per game (8.4). The defense recorded 18 shutouts over six seasons, including four in the 2024 campaign, and surrendered just five touchdowns across four postseason games during that National Championship run.
Peterson's impact extended beyond team success, as he developed numerous standout players. During his tenure as Defensive Coordinator, the Vikings produced 10 Defensive All-Americans, five Heart of America Defensive Players of the Year, and the program's first-ever Cliff Harris Award winner, Tristin Waugh. Two of his defensive stars also advanced to the NFL, further showcasing his ability to prepare athletes for success at the highest levels.
Before returning to Grand View, Peterson honed his skills at McPherson College, where he served as Defensive Coordinator (2014–2018) and Linebackers Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator (2012–2014). This experience laid the foundation for his meteoric rise in the coaching world, culminating in his promotion to Head Coach in 2025 on the strength of Grand View's unparalleled run of success, including six consecutive Heart of America Athletic Conference championships and two appearances in the National Championship game as Defensive Coordinator.
Peterson wasted no time adding to that legacy. In his first season at the helm, he guided the Vikings to the Heart North Conference Championship and a perfect 14-0 record, capped by the program's third National Championship — proof that his championship pedigree translated seamlessly from coordinator to head coach.
A native of Monroe, Iowa, Peterson holds an associate degree from Iowa Central Community College (2009) and a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Grand View University (2011). He and his wife, Abby, reside in the Midwest with their two children, Luke and Jess.
Now entering his second season as Head Coach, Peterson carries with him a legacy of excellence, a proven ability to develop championship-caliber teams, and an unwavering commitment to student-athlete success. With the Vikings winners of back-to-back National Championships and riding a perfect 14-0 debut season under his leadership, the program is poised to reach even greater heights as it looks to defend its title for a third straight year.
THE E.J. PETERSON FILE
Birthdate: April 22, 1989
Hometown: Monroe, Iowa
Family: Wife Abby, two children Luke & Jess.
Education
Associate degree, Iowa Central Community College, 2009
Bachelor's degree, Kinesiology, Grand View University, 2011
Coaching Career
Head Coach, Grand View University, 2024-current
Defensive Coordinator, Grand View University, 2018-2024
Defensive Coordinator, McPherson College, 2014-2018
Linebackers Coach/Strength & Conditioning Coordinator, McPherson College, 2012-2014
Coaching Accomplishments
2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, & 2025 Heart of America Athletic Conference champions (GVU D. Co.)… 2020 & 2024 Heart of America Assistant Coach of the Year… 2025 National Champions (Ranked #1 In NAIA every week) & 2024 National Champions (GVU D. Co./Top Defense in the Country), Undefeated through seven seasons in the Heart of America, One National Defensive Player of the Year, and a 2x NAIA Player of the Year.
THE FACTS ON PETERSON
13 years of college coaching experience
1 Year as a Head Coach
10 years as a Defensive Coordinator
2 National Championship game appearances
2 National Titles
Top Statistical Defense in the Country
2 NAIA Player of the Year
1 Cliff Harris Award Winner
6 Heart of America Defensive Players of the Year
Coached the Defensive Player of the Game in the 2024 & 2025 National Championship
18 Shutouts in 6 Seasons as the DC
12 Defensive All-Americans
2 Athletes from his D. Coordinator tenure Played in the NFL
Midwestern-born and bred
PETERSON'S PLAYING CAREER
2x First Team All-Conference
2010 Conference Defensive Player of the Year
2010 All-American
Played Professionally for the Iowa Barnstormers
2021 Grand View Hall of Fame Inductee
