Mike Hiestand begins his first season with the Chargers in 2022, serving as an offensive assistant.
Hiestand joins the staff after three seasons in a support role with the Denver Broncos, contributing to the defensive coaching staff's operation while also serving as assistant to then-Head Coach Vic Fangio. Over his three years in Denver, the Broncos owned the league's top-ranked red zone defense (45.6 pct.) and allowed a rate of just 20.4 points per game, ranking seventh-best in the NFL.
Before his time in the Mile High City, Hiestand coached seven seasons in the collegiate ranks, which was capped by a three-year run as defensive coordinator at Ave Maria University (2016-18). In his final season directing the defense, Ave Maria totaled the most sacks (28) and registered the best points allowed rate (23.5 points per game) in a single season in program history, helping the Gyrenes capture the Sun Conference title. Hiestand's unit produced four first-team all-conference selections following the season.
Hiestand spent two seasons as a defensive graduate assistant at the University of Notre Dame (2014-15), primarily working with the defensive line after holding roles as a graduate assistant at Florida International University in 2013 and Miami (Ohio) University in 2012, working with the defense and special teams.
The Mundelein, Ill., native played linebacker for Illinois State University, graduating in 2011. Hiestand is married to his wife, Emily. His father, Harry, is the offensive line coach at Notre Dame.
