Dale Carlson is the current head football coach at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University, known colloquially as Valpo, is a regionally accredited private university located in the city of Valparaiso in the U.S. state of Indiana. Founded in 1859, it consists of five undergraduate colleges, a graduate school, a nursing school and a law school...

. He was named head coach on January 15, 2010. His first head coaching job was at Lakeland College. He also served as head coach at Taylor University

Taylor University

Taylor University is a private, interdenominational, evangelical Christian college located in Upland, Indiana. Founded in 1846, it is one of the oldest evangelical Christian colleges in America....

. After leaving Taylor, he started the football programs at Tri-State University

Tri-State University

Trine University is a postsecondary educational institution based in Angola, Indiana, United States. It has satellite campuses in South Bend/Mishawaka, Schererville, Logansport, Indiana, Indianapolis, Howe, Columbus Warsaw, and Fort Wayne.-History:...

 and Ohio Dominican University

Ohio Dominican University

Ohio Dominican University is a private four-year liberal arts institution, founded in 1911 in the Catholic and Dominican traditions. The main campus spans over in the North Central neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, United States. The university has just over 3,100 students and offers undergraduate...

. In 2009, he was the NAIA Independent Football Coach of the Year.

Personal life

Carlson played linebacker during college at Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago is an American private, Lutheran liberal arts university located in the Illinois suburb of River Forest, 10 miles west of Chicago.-Description:...

, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in physical education. He earned a Master of Science in Education from Chicago State University

Chicago State University

Chicago State University is a state university of the U.S. state of Illinois, located in Chicago.-History:Cook County Normal School was founded in 1867, largely through the initiative of John F. Eberhart, the Commissioner of Schools for Cook County...

. Has been active in the American Football Coaches Association and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Assistant coaching career

Carlson served as an assistant coach at Elmhurst College

Elmhurst College

Elmhurst College is a comprehensive private liberal arts college in Elmhurst, Illinois with a tradition of service-oriented learning. It has a rich affiliation with the United Church of Christ.- History :‎...

, Franklin College and Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University is a public liberal arts university located in Allendale, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1960, and its main campus is situated on approximately west of Grand Rapids...

.