Mike Hiestand returns to the Chargers in 2024 as a defensive assistant for his third season with the team and second on the defensive side of the ball. He began his time with Los Angeles as an offensive assistant in 2022 before moving to front seven specialist last season.
In 2023, Hiestand returned to the defensive side of the ball as a front seven specialist, focusing his efforts on assisting with the linebackers. He helped both Eric Kendricks (117) and Kenneth Murray Jr., (107) top 100 tackles on the season. The campaign marked the eighth-consecutive 100-tackle season for Kendricks, the NFL's second-longest active streak. Murray was one of just six NFL players in 2023 to record at least 100 tackles, three sacks, an interception and six tackles for loss.
As an offensive assistant for the Bolts in 2022, Hiestand primarily worked with the offensive line and tight ends. He helped Offensive Line Coach Brendan Nugent and Assistant Offensive Line Coach Shaun Sarrett onboard tackle Foster Sarell and rookie offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer to make starts for the NFL's No. 3 passing offense. Hiestand also worked with Tight Ends Coach Kevin Koger to help the tight ends combine for 83 receptions on the season, the 10th-most by a single tight ends group in the NFL in 2022.
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, and the couple has a daughter, Winnie. His father, Harry, retired in February 2023 after a 40-year coaching career, including seven seasons as an NFL coach with the Chicago Bears.
