A veteran coach with 17 years of experience at the NCAA Division I FCS and Division II levels, John Kelling joined the University of Mary football staff as associate head coach and defensive coordinator in 2012 after serving as the co-defensive coordinator at the University of North Dakota the past six seasons.
Directing a high pressure style defense in his first season with the Marauders, U-Mary led the Northern Sun in sacks in 2012 with 2.82 per game while ranking 20th in NCAA Division II. U-Mary was fourth in the NSIC and 32nd in the NCAA in tackles for loss with 7.5 per game.
Three Marauders defenders earned all-conference honors for Kelling's defense in 2012. Sophomore LB Grant Singer and junior DE John Oyloe garnered first team accolades and senior LB Mikey Ingemansen was named to the honorable mention. Oyle was third in the NSIC in sacks with 10 and Ingemansen and Singer ranked fifth with six sacks each. Another linebacker, sophomore Troy Guptill, was ninth in sacks with five and ranked sixth in tackles for loss with 14.5.
Kelling joined the North Dakota staff in 2004 as the defensive backs coach. The Sioux would lead the North Central Conference in pass defense, allowing just 158.8 yards per game, and pass efficiency defense in his first season with the program.
UND elevated Kelling the co-defensive coordinator in 2006 and the Sioux promptly led the NCC in scoring defense. In 2007 UND paced the league in total defense. The defensive backfield would continue to thrive under his direction as the Sioux led the conference in pass efficiency defense three times in four seasons.
Under Kelling’s direction UND continued to post strong numbers during its move to NCAA Division I FCS as the Sioux were second in the Great West Conference in scoring defense in 2008. By 2010 UND tied for the GWC lead in interceptions with 11 and also knocked down 27 passes.
Last season North Dakota earned a share of the Great West Conference title and finished the year ranked in both of the national polls.
Prior to joining North Dakota, Kelling coached eight seasons at Augustana (SD) College, where he served as a wide receivers coach and strength coach.
Over the course of his career, the players Kelling has coached have earned an impressive amount of accolades and achievements: one former NFL player, a current CFL player, two Harlon Hill finalists, six All-Americans and 14 first-team all-conference players, including two most valuable receivers and two most valuable defensive backs.
A native of Rochester, MN, Kelling earned his bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in physical education. He was a four-year starter at free safety for the Mavericks, a two-time first team all-conference performer, the NCC’s Most Valuable Defensive Back as a senior, and Football Gazette’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1991. Kelling was inducted into Minnesota State’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.
Kelling and his wife Megan have two sons, Everett and Colt.
