GRINNELL,  Iowa - Grinnell College President Raynard S. Kington, Dean of the College Anne Harris, and Director of Athletics and Recreation Andy Hamilton '85 met with the Pioneer football team Wednesday night (Oct. 16, 2019) to outline plans for immediate steps to build a stronger roster for fall 2020, while simultaneously assessing the program's long-term institutional support, coaching, and recruiting model.
 
During the meeting, players were informed about planned program enhancements and coaching changes.

"President Kington and I welcomed the opportunity to meet with players and coaches," said Harris, "to both demonstrate our commitment to supporting our scholar-athletes and the football program, as well as to start mapping out the needed work and collaborations ahead."

Harris told the players that the College had consulted with Coach Jeff Pedersen '02, and after 10 seasons coaching football, going forward he will focus his football responsibilities primarily on recruiting student-athletes for the Class of 2024.
 
Simultaneously, the College will launch a national search for a new head coach of football. Hamilton, a former football player and Grinnell football coach, will serve as interim head coach.
 
"I want to thank Jeff for his dedication to Grinnell football as both a player and coach," said Hamilton. "I know that many of our recruits, current players, their parents, and alumni have close associations with Coach Pedersen. I'm glad that he will continue to forge ahead with our recruiting efforts this year. I also want to thank our current coaching staff for their dedication and hard work. Their focus on current player development and recruiting will fuel our efforts in the next eight months."
 
Pedersen will continue to serve on the track and field coaching staff.
 
Pedersen took over as interim football coach at Grinnell in 2010 and promptly guided the Pioneers to their first winning season since 2004 while earning Midwest Conference (MWC) Coach of the Year honors. The interim tag was removed after the season.
 
Pedersen coached three All-Americans, three All-Region performers, two Academic All-District selections and 29 All-MWC honorees at Grinnell. His teams posted wins over seven teams in the conference.
 
A two-time All-America tight end at Grinnell, Pedersen set school records for receptions in a single season in 1999 and completions in a season in 2001 while serving as quarterback. He was a four-time All-MWC performer and played in the 2001 Division III Aztec Bowl, which pitted D-III All-Stars against the top players in Mexico.