Jim Schroeder returned to Benedictine to become the head coach in the spring of 2019 following four years away as the head coach at Rockford University.
Schroeder initially joined the Benedictine coaching staff in 2005 as Defensive Coordinator and added the title of Football Recruiting Coordinator following the 2007 season. He's regarded as a strong teacher and recruiter who helped the BenU defense earn a reputation among Division III's best.
Schroeder's defensive units have earned numerous accolades and national rankings. In total defense, the team ranked 11th nationally in 2012, as well as 26th in 2009 and 14th in 2007. Against the pass, BenU’s defense ranked 10th in the country in 2012 and 4th nationally in pass efficiency defense following the 2007 season. Also under Schroeder’s guidance, the defense led the Northern Athletics Conference in points allowed per game in 2010. Schroeder has also coached the Northern Athletics Conference Defensive Player of the Year during the 2012 season and Co-Player of the year in 2011.
In 2013, Schroeder received the Bob Conwell Award, which is an award given out to an assistant coach who demonstrates leadership, strength and committment.
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Prior to his arrival at Benedictine in 2005, Schroeder served as the defensive line coach for a season at Davidson College in North Carolina. During the 2003 season, he mentored Davidson's running backs and coached the school's all-time leading rusher. Prior to his two year stint at Davidson, he served as Defensive Tackles coach at Columbia University of the Ivy League for a year. He got his start in coaching at his alma mater Valparaiso University as a graduate assistant working with the offensive line in 2001.
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Schroeder graduated from Valpo in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and also added a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Valpo in 2006. As a player, Schroeder was a three year starter who earned All-Pioneer Football League honors as well as Honorable Mention Mid-Major All-American honors by the Football Gazette. Following graduation, he played professionally for the Dortmund Giants of the German Football League.
The Michigan native resides in Lisle, IL with his wife Theresa and their two children; Andrew and Alaina.
