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Warhawks coach was one of four candidates at Grand Valley State

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Lance Leipold

WHITEWATER — UW-Whitewater football coach Lance Leipold has been passed over for the head coaching position at Grand Valley State, an NCAA Division II school in Allendale, Mich.

Leipold interviewed for the job on Dec. 31 and was one of four candidates. The school informed Leipold on Tuesday he had not been offered the job, according to UW-Whitewater athletic director Paul Plinske.

Matt Mitchell, Grand Valley State’s defensive coordinator for the last two seasons and the son-in-law of athletic director Tim Selgo, got the job. Mitchell will take over for Chuck Martin, who left after six years to become defensive backs coach at Notre Dame under former Grand Valley State coach Brian Kelly.

Grand Valley State is considered the top Division II football program in the country. The Lakers had 74-7 record under Kelly, including national championships in 2005 and 2006 and a second-place finish behind Northeast Missouri State this season.

Leipold, the Division III national Coach of the Year, has guided Whitewater to a 42-3 record and a pair of Division III national championships in his first three seasons. The Warhawks defeated Mount Union last month for their second national title and went 15-0 for the school’s first perfect season since 1950.

Leipold did not immediately return a message left on his cell phone.

While Plinske was relieved Leipold still is the Whitewater coach, he said Leipold is an outstanding candidate for any football program.

“I believe he will continue to bring a lot of interest from Division II and I programs,” Plinske said. “His track record is excellent.”

On a personal note, Plinske said he feels sad for Leipold.

“From UW-Whitewater, I’m happy the opportunity didn’t work out,” Plinske said. “But I’m sad for him because he didn’t get the opportunity.’’