Dan Bauder

Biography

Dan Bauder is entering his eighth season with the UW-Platteville Pioneers as defensive coordinator. Dan joined the Pioneer staff after serving in the same capacity at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois for three seasons. The Pioneers defense has been one of the best in the WIAC over the past two seasons, ranking first in points allowed in 2023 (19.5) and second in 2024 (16.5). UW-Platteville boasted one of the top run defense units in the country in 2023, allowing just 74.9 yards per game and 2.3 yards per carry. Bauder's defenses have been fantastic at rushing the passer as well, totaling a WIAC-high 37 sacks in 2023 before sharing the conference lead in 2024 with 28 sacks. UW-Platteville finished with 20 interceptions in 2024, the most in the WIAC, and returned two of those picks for touchdowns. Bauder has coached 11 All-WIAC selections in his first two seasons with the Pioneers. In 2019, the Pioneers were ranked fifth in the NCAA III with a 1.70 turnover margin and had the third-ranked defense in the WIAC, allowing 21.3 points per a game. While at Augustana, Bauder also served in the role of head strength and conditioning coach. With the Vikings, he coached five All-CCIW Performers. Bauder's defense was first in CCIW in pass defense, turnovers, and averaged allowing 19.7 pts/game. Prior to Augustana, Bauder was at Wittenberg University and was the linebacker, cornerback, and special teams coach at various points during his tenure. He was integral in three North Coa