Jon Bakken is in his second season as the tight ends coach for St. Olaf in 2019-20 after being named to the position in June 2018.
Prior to coming to St. Olaf, Bakken spent the previous 34 years coaching at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School in Waterville, Minn. He was the team's defensive coordinator for the first three seasons before being named head coach and offensive coordinator until his retirement in the fall of 2017.
At Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, Bakken also was the head baseball coach for three seasons and the head boys track & field coach for 25 years. He also spent time as the junior high basketball coach and directed the one-act plays for seven years, while teaching chemistry and physics.
During his coaching career, Bakken has won 21 conference titles, 15 section championships and three state titles (one Class C and two Class AA). His overall coaching record was 279-89 (.758). He won Coach of the Year awards in 1989, 1997, 1999 and 2009 and was the Minnesota Coach of the Year in 2009.
Prior to WEM, Bakken spent time coaching at Spring Lake Park High School, Esko High School, Onamia High School and Fort Dogs Junior High (Iowa).
Bakken played high school football at Esko High School before playing two years at Golden Valley Lutheran College and two years at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Bakken resides in Waterville with his wife, Mary. They have two daughters, Megan and Kirstin.
Quick Facts
Hometown: Esko, Minn.
High School: Lincoln High School - Esko, Minn.
Institution/Degree: Golden Valley Lutheran College/Associates of Arts
Institution/Degree: Gustavus Adolphus College/B.A. Science Education
Institution/Degree: Mankato State University/M.A. Curriculum and Instruction
Coaching Experience
2018 St. Olaf - Tight ends coach
1990-2017 Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School - Head coach and offensive coordinator
1987-89 Waterville-Elysian High School - Head coach and offensive coordinator
1984-86 Waterville-Elysian High School - Assistant coach and defensive coordinator.
