Coach_Van_Ackeren

Kendrick Van Ackeren

 
AT WINONA STATE
  • Joined the Winona State staff as the Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs coach in March 2026.
BEFORE WINONA STATE
  • Northwestern State University Defensive Backs Coach (2025 – 2026)
    • Ended the nation’s longest losing streak with a debut win in 2025.
    • Improved all defensive pass statistics
  • Arkansas Tech University Defensive Coordinator (2023-2025)
    • Lead a Defensive unit top 3 finish statistically in conference in 2024.
    • Mentored seven All conference selections including six in 2024.
    • Oversaw a defense making improvements in all major defensive statistical categories.
    • Top 30 Finishes Nationally in Pass Defense (6th), 4th Down Defense (T19), Def TDs (T27), Def Pass Efficiency (26th).
  • Colorado State University – Defensive Back Coach, Co-Special Teams Coordinator (2022)
    • Helped lead CSUP to a postseason appearance in 2022.
    • Mentored first team D2CCA and AP All-American Daniel Bone.
    • Mentored multiple first-time starters to the 1st team all-RMAC team.
    • Defense ranked second nationally in interceptions, fourth in yards per completion, top 20 in turnovers gained and passing yards per attempt.
    • Coordinated the top Kickoff, Kick Return, and Punt Return units in the RMAC.
    • Coached First Team All-American (Daniel Bone)
  • Oregon State University (2018 – 2022)
    • Helped OSU Improve from one win in 2017 to seven wins and a post season appearance in 2021.
    • Defense ranked top 3 in the PAC12 in scoring defense, total defense, Pass Yards/game, Rush Yds/game, and Interceptions in 2021.
    • Coached First Team All-American in 2019 (Hamilcar Rashed Jr)
  • Montana State University (2017- 2018)
    • Helped MSU Improve from 3 in 2016 to 8 wins in 2018.
PLAYING EXPERIENCE
  • Played at University of Hawaii from 2011-2012
  • Played at University of Montana from 2013-2015
  • Two Year Starter at Montana
  • 2 time All-Big Sky Linebacker
  • Over 300 career Tackles
 
PERSONAL
  • Native of Bellevue, Washington
  • Married to Shannon Van Ackeren with one child: Khalil